HC questions legality of hiking entry fees at launch terminals

The High Court (HC) today questioned legality of the government decision of hiking the entry fees of launch terminals across the country.

The court issued a rule asking the authorities concerned of the government to explain in four weeks under what authority the entry fees of launch terminals has been increased and why the decision should not be cancelled.

The HC bench of Justice FRM Nazmul Ahsan and Justice KM Kamrul Kader came up with the rule following a writ petition filed by Supreme Court lawyer Mohammad Abu Taleb.

Abu Taleb submitted the petition with the HC on October 28 challenging the government decision.

Advocate Abu Taleb moved the petition while Deputy Attorney General Abdullah Al Mahmud Bashar appeared for the government.

Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) on September 30 issued a notification increasing the entry fee for each person at the building (Paka) terminal from Tk 5 to Tk 10 and at the tin-shed terminals from Tk 3 to Tk 5.