Committee formed to hike launch fares

The shipping ministry yesterday formed an 11-member committee to fix launch fares following the recent hike in fuel prices.
The ministry asked the committee to submit its recommendations by December 5, an official said.
The committee was formed after an extended meeting between ministry officials, launch owners and other stakeholders at the ministry's conference room.
The meeting was chaired by Shipping Secretary Abdul Mannan Hawlader.
Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) member (finance) was appointed convener of the committee, while BIWTA director (marine safety and traffic) was appointed as member secretary.
Earlier launch owners submitted a letter to the ministry and BIWTA demanding up to 70 per cent increase in launch fares.
The government on November 10 raised all fuel prices by Tk 5 a litre. This was the third fuel price hike this year.
The government last increased launch fares by 20 percent in June.