Dhaka, Nov. 26 -- The Bangladesh Road Transport Authority's (BRTA) meeting on Thursday for fixing half bus fares for students proved futile, as private bus operators disagreed with such proposal, saying there is no scope to do so without declaration of government subsidies.

The BRTA organised the meeting, chaired by Road Transport and Highways Division Secretary Nazrul Islam, at its head office in the city. It followed week-long protests by students in the major cities, like Dhaka and Chattogram, over realising half bus fares and ensuring road safety.

Among others, the Public Security Division senior secretary, Secondary and Higher Education Division secretary, Technical and Madrasa Education secretary, and representatives of Bangladesh...