Photo : BSS

RAJSHAHI, March 29, 2026 (BSS)- Following allegations of overcharging 
passengers traveling by boats on the Padma River adjacent to Rajshahi city, 
Administrator of Rajshahi City Corporation (RCC) Mahfuzur Rahman Riton 
instructed that the matter be investigated on-site and necessary actions be 
taken.
 
Accordingly, on Sunday, RCC Secretary Sohel Rana visited the Amirpur Ferry 
Ghat and Bishpur Ferry Ghat areas here.

During the visit, he inspected the areas under the ferry ghats and spoke with 
leaseholders, local residents, and other concerned individuals.
 
He warned the leaseholders that strict action would be taken if any 
additional money is collected beyond the fixed toll rates. He also instructed 
that toll charts be displayed promptly, as none were found at the ferry 
ghats.
 
In this regard, Secretary Sohel Rana stated that the two ferry ghats leased 
out by the RCC were inspected. 

Detailed inquiries were conducted to determine whether any extra fees had 
been collected by the leaseholders. It was found that residents from Char 
Majhardia, Khanpur, and other riverine areas pay the toll to cross the river. 
No evidence of overcharging by the leaseholders was found during the on-site 
inspection.
 
He further added that some privately owned boats operate on the Padma River, 
offering rides to travelers. These privately owned boats are not under the 
lease or jurisdiction of the City Corporation.
 
Ahead of Eid, complaints were received about overcharging passengers by some 
privately owned boats at Srirampur Tourist Ghat.

In response, the inspection was carried out. Boat owners have been warned 
that action will be taken if such allegations arise in the future.
 
To ensure the safety and comfort of passengers, the RCC will inform the 
relevant authorities to take necessary measures to bring privately owned 
boats under proper regulation.
 
During the inspection, RCC Asset Officer Abu Noor Md. Matiur Rahman, along 
with other concerned officials, was present.