Online Desk :  The Dhaka Road Transport Owners Association has announced that students will now be able to enjoy half-fare bus rides in all metropolitan areas, including Dhaka, seven days a week.  This decision was confirmed by the association’s general secretary, Saiful Alam, during a seminar at the Engineering Institution auditorium in Dhaka on Monday (September 23). The seminar, titled “Our Pledge for Safe Roads for All,” aimed to raise awareness among transport owners and workers about ensuring order on the roads.

Organised by the Dhaka Road Transport Owners Association, the event addressed the longstanding demand for affordable transport for students. Saiful Alam acknowledged the pivotal role students have played in Bangladesh’s history, from the 1952 Language Movement to the independence of 1971 and more recently, the Safe Roads Movement.  He emphasised that the decision to extend half-fare benefits to students for all seven days was in response to their persistent demands.

He explained that in a meeting held on August 21 with representatives of the Safe Road Movement, discussions focused on the current policy, which offers a 50% discount on bus fares for students five days a week (excluding Fridays and Saturdays). The movement leaders requested that the discount be extended throughout the week. As a result, Saiful Alam announced that, effective from September 24, the half-fare will apply seven days a week from 6:00am to midnight for students in uniform or carrying a valid student ID. This policy will be limited to metro areas. The seminar was chaired by Dhaka Road Transport Owners Association President MA Baten and was attended by senior police traffic department officials, transport owners, and workers.