CNG Auto Drivers Block Key Routes In Capital

CNG auto-rickshaw drivers blocked roads at various points in the capital, demanding the repeal of the Road Transport Act and an increase in fare rates.

The protest began on Sunday morning as drivers expressed their opposition to the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority’s (BRTA) decision to impose a six-month jail term or a fine of BDT 50,000 for charging fares higher than the metered rate. They also protested against alleged police harassment.

Till the filing of this report, the drivers had blocked key intersections, including Mohammadpur three-road intersection, Mirpur-10, Mirpur-14, and Rampura Bridge and many more. Law enforcers maintained a limited presence at the protest sites.

The demonstration caused significant suffering for office commuters and other passengers, disrupting daily transportation.

Earlier, on Monday (February 10), a letter signed by BRTA Director (Engineering) Shitangshu Shekhar Biswas stated that any CNG auto-rickshaw driver charging more than the metered fare would face penalties under the law. The BRTA has instructed the police to take action against violators.

According to the letter, “For gas- or petrol-powered four-stroke three-wheeler auto-rickshaws, cases must be filed if they charge fares beyond the government-approved meter rate.”

As per Section 35(3) of the Road Transport Act 2018, owners and drivers of contract-based public transport vehicles must take passengers to any destination within the permitted area and cannot demand or collect more than the metered fare. Violating this rule could result in up to six months of imprisonment, a fine of up to BDT 50,000, or both, under Section 81 of the law.

Currently, the government has set the minimum fare at BDT 40 for the first two kilometers, followed by BDT 12 per kilometer and a waiting charge of BDT 2 per minute.

However, protesting drivers argue that the government-set fares are too low to cover their increased vehicle rents and daily expenses. They have demanded a complete removal of the meter-based fare system, a raise in fares, and an end to police harassment.