They also demanded that footpaths be freed from illegal encroachment and foot overbridge be set up for the safety of passengers.

The Rights Movement in association with the Karmakutir Foundation also held a rally at Shahabagh, with former secretary Syed Marghub Morshed in the chair.

Although the government has fixed the bus and launch fare per km following an increase in the fuel price, the transport owners are now charging a rate 150 percent higher than the official rate, said Tushar Rehman, executive director of Karmakutir Foundation.

While it is the responsibility of the government to take necessary action to stop such harassment of the people, the communications minister recently admitted that he is unable to do anything in this regard, he said.

He called for raising awareness among the people and forging a unity to establish the basic rights of all citizens.

Marghub Morshed said skyrocketing prices of essentials along with fare hike ahead of Eid left the common people in a desperate state.

While some people are building high-rises in the capital, lakhs of people are being rendered homeless due to irregularities and anomalies prevailing in society.

Former joint secretary Syed Lutfullah, Advocate Julfia Akhtar, Dr Jasmine Ara Shathi, Advocate Ahsan Uddin Sardar, Advocate FR Khan, Haji Ansar Ali, Md Nazimuddin, Md Abul Kalam Khan and journalist MA Ghani also spoke.