Dhaka, March 28 -- A mobile court has launched a drive at Paturia Bus Terminal in Manikganj after complaints of passengers being overcharged as they returned to work following the Eid holidays.

By Saturday noon, the presence of a magistrate prompted an immediate drop in fares, with tickets from Paturia to Gabtoli falling from Tk 300 to Tk 200.

Executive Magistrate Md Masud Ali Shahriar, from the deputy commissioner's office, fined three bus drivers Tk 10,000 for collecting excessive fares.

Kamal Hossain from Kushtia, who works at a garment factory in Ashulia, boarded a local vehicle to Savar's Nabinagar.

"At Paturia bus stand, they were asking Tk 300 to board, whereas I usually pay Tk 120. [On Saturday], they demanded more. But as soo...