Mashiur Rahman Ranga, president of Bangladesh Road Transport Owners Association, on Tuesday warned bus companies if they charge extra fares during the Eid-ul-Fitr, he would see to it that their businesses are closed.

During the country’s two Eid festivals, many bus companies charge extra fares on highways to profit the most from commuters desperate to celebrate with their dear ones at ancestral village homes.

Ranga said he would also take legal measures against such practices during the upcoming Eid as he addressed a discussion session at the Rajarbag Police Lines in the capital.

Highway Police chief Additional Inspector General Md Shahabuddin Khan also spoke at the event.

He said aerial drones would be deployed in Eid to monitor vehicular movement on highways. Any freshly damaged vehicle blocking roads would be identified on a short notice through the use of drones, he signaled. Timely confirmation of a damaged vehicle would assist in its speedy removal.

He also said many unauthorised vehicles mushroom on the roads during Eid-ul-Fitr. Neither the transport owners’ association nor the law enforcers have any record of these, as these are not seen in any other period of a year. People from low-income groups primarily rent these, he said.

About extra fares during Eid, Ranga said Road Transport Owners Association would take appropriate measures whenever allegations would be raised. If necessary, they would reach the spots to investigate alleged irregularities. Based on evidence, the association would take necessary legal measures, and ensure the business of the alleged bus companies are shut, he said.