The Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) has revoked its order to Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) for legal action against CNG-run auto-rickshaw drivers refusing to follow metered fare rates, after protests and street blockages by drivers disrupted traffic in Dhaka.
In a sudden reversal, the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) withdrew its previous directive that had instructed the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) to take legal action against CNG-run auto-rickshaw drivers who did not charge fares according to government-set meter rates. Nobel Dey, the public relations officer of the Road Transport and Bridges Ministry, confirmed the withdrawal of the order to Liberty News
The initial order, issued on February 10, had warned that violators could face up to six months in jail or a fine of up to Tk 50,000. However, after facing widespread protests, including road blockages by CNG drivers and work abstention, the BRTA decided to retract its directive.
In response to the protests, the DMP issued a press release urging the drivers to lift the blockades and refrain from disrupting public movement. Despite this, traffic in various areas of Dhaka remained heavily congested for several hours due to the protests. Many commuters, particularly in the morning, were left without CNG-run auto-rickshaws.
Passengers expressed frustration as they were unable to find any CNG auto-rickshaws on the streets, with some waiting up to 30 minutes. Nilima Akther, a private service holder, shared her experience, saying, “I waited at Kazipara for a CNG but none arrived. Later, I learned that drivers had gone on strike.”
Arifa Hossain, a bank official, described her difficulties: “I rely on a CNG for my daily commute from Banasree to Nikunja. But today, due to the strike, I had to change multiple modes of transport to get to my office.”
Golam Faruk, general secretary of the Bangladesh CNG-run Auto-Rickshaw Light Vehicles Transport Workers Federation, clarified that they had not officially called for a strike, but that many drivers chose to abstain from work in protest. Faruk added that the drivers planned to submit a memorandum to the BRTA at 11:00am, voicing their opposition to the meter rate enforcement.
Despite the disruption, the situation seems to have calmed after the BRTA’s decision to retract the order. However, a press conference will be held later today by the Dhaka and Chattogram District CNG Auto Rickshaw Shramik Oikya Parishad to formally express their stance on the issue.
LND/BAIZID
