CNG autorickshaw drivers block Dhaka roads to protest metered fare rule

CNG autorickshaw drivers in Dhaka have taken to the streets to protest the government's decision to impose a jail term and fines for charging fares above the metered rates.

On Sunday, the protesting drivers, who have gone on strike, blocked two key entry points to Dhaka — Jatrabari and Gabtoli — causing severe traffic congestion and leaving commuters stranded on the first working day of the week.

Around 9:00am, drivers staged a brief 10-minute protest near the Buddhist temple in Basabo, bringing traffic to a standstill.

On Feb 11, the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority, or BRTA, announced that CNG auto-rickshaw drivers who charge more than the metered fare could face up to six months in jail or a Tk 50,000 fine.

The BRTA directed police to take legal action against CNG drivers for any violations.

The directive cited Section 35(3) of the Road Transport Act, 2018, which requires contract carriage vehicles to transport passengers within the permit area at metered fares. Violators face up to six months in jail, fines of up to Tk 50,000, or both. Additionally, drivers could receive penalty points on their licences.

“Operating on the basis of metered fares is not feasible for us under the current circumstances. That’s why we won’t follow the meter. We reject the BRTA’s decision," said Ruhul Amin, a protester.

In response, angry CNG drivers planned to submit a memorandum to the BRTA chief demanding the rule’s cancellation on Sunday.

Although no plans to block roads were announced, reports emerged of drivers occupying roads in multiple areas, including Shanir Akhra, Dholai Par, Golapbagh, Demra, Rampura, College Gate, Agargaon, Mirpur and Mazar Road, from 8:30am onwards.

At Shanir Akhra, protesters occupied the Dhaka-Chattogram Highway, bringing traffic to a complete standstill. Jatrabari Police Station chief Kamruzzaman Talukder confirmed that CNG drivers started descending on the roads after 8:30am, eventually blocking all traffic.

“The protesters have occupied roads in Shanir Akhra and Golapbagh, preventing vehicles from entering or leaving Dhaka through Jatrabari. We are trying to persuade them to clear the roads,” said OC Kamruzzaman.

Assistant Sub-Inspector Md Shahid Hossain added that roadblocks were also in place at Rayerbagh and Demra Road, cutting off almost all routes in and out of Dhaka via Jatrabari.

The situation is similar in other parts of the city. In Dholai Par, a blockade has completely halted traffic on the Dhaka-Mawa Highway, according to Shyampur Police Station chief Md Shahidul Islam. “Vehicles are unable to move in either direction,” he said.

In Rampura, CNG drivers started gathering in front of Better Life Hospital around 7:00am, according to the police. “We managed to keep traffic moving for about an hour, but now the road is entirely blocked,” said Ataur Rahman, chief of Rampura Police Station.

Sher-e-Bangla Nagar Police Station chief Mohammad Golam Azam confirmed that roads in front of Suhrawardy Hospital at College Gate were also blocked. “We are receiving reports of similar blockades in other parts of Dhaka,” he added.

In Mirpur, Deputy Commissioner of Police Mohammad Maksudur Rahman said there were sporadic roadblocks in several locations, including in front of the BRTA office at Mirpur-14, Darus Salam’s Gabtoli Mazar Road, and Bhashantek.

“In some areas, the drivers briefly occupied roads, delivered speeches, and then left,” he said.

Hazrat Ali, an autorickshaw driver from Mirpur, said, “If we don’t use the meter, the police will fine us Tk 50,000. They’re even talking about sending us to jail. That’s why we’re on strike today -- we haven’t taken our vehicles out."

Ashraf Ali, a resident of Gabtoli, said that the blockade in Mazar Road completely disrupted movement in the area, preventing vehicles from entering Dhaka.

Md Dulal, a protest leader, said demonstrations were taking place at local stands and neighbourhoods where drivers are based.

At Agargaon, several drivers were seen dropping off passengers and then gathering their vehicles on the roadside to join the protest.

“Where are we supposed to get the money to pay these fines? Owners aren’t reducing their daily deposits and household expenses are rising. How will drivers manage?” Dulal said.

Nahiduzzaman, who was taking his mother to the National Institute of Neurosciences and Hospital, was forced to get off near the Science Museum in Agargaon due to the blockade.

“My mother cannot walk. It’s just a short distance -- please let us pass,” he pleaded. Eventually, the drivers helped him find a rickshaw.

Golam Faruk, general secretary of the Bangladesh Autorickshaw and Light Vehicle Workers Federation, said that their plan was to submit a memorandum, not to block roads.

“Drivers are keeping their vehicles off the streets and heading to the BRTA to hand over the memorandum. On the way, some may have gathered on the roads. At 11:00am, we will formally demand the cancellation of BRTA’s decision,” he said.