CNG-run auto rickshaw drivers on Sunday blocked different roads across the capital city, protesting the government order to enforce metre-based fares.
Traffic movement through two important entry points to Dhaka, Jatrabari and Gabtoli, has been suspended since Sunday morning due to their blockade. Apart from this, the drivers had blocked Mohammadpur three-road intersection, Mirpur-10 intersection, Mirpur-14 intersection and Rampura bridge intersection. Law enforcers maintained very small presence at the protest sites.
The movement caused huge suffering for office commuters and other passengers.
CNG drivers complain that they cannot operate autorickshaws as per government instructions due to various reasons including arbitrariness of the owners, extortion on the road, illegal collection of money in the name of stands.
They are forced to operate CNG without a meter due to the profit-hungry owners. Because, the owner has to deposit 950 taka for each shift. And even if they operate in the night shift until 6 am, they have to pay 900 taka to the owner. As a result, it is not possible for them to survive with their families in the capital by operating CNG on a meter.
The drivers are making several demands, including the cancellation of the new rules, increase in fares and an end to police harassment. They have announced to continue the road blockade until their demands are met.
Rampura Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Ataur Rahman Akand said, CNG drivers have been blocking the road in Rampura area since 9 am. Due to their road blockade, traffic movement in Rampura area is being disrupted. We are trying to convince them to leave the road blockade.
Bd-pratidin English/Tanvir Raihan
