CNG autorickshaws return to streets after BRTA retracts fare meter directive

CNG-powered autorickshaws have returned to the streets after the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority, or BRTA, withdrew its directive instructing police to take legal action against drivers charging fares above the metered rate.

With the strike and street protests called off, traffic returned to normal before noon on Sunday at Dhaka’s two main entry points, Jatrabari and Gabtoli.

Golam Faruk, general secretary of the Bangladesh Autorickshaw and Light Vehicle Transport Workers' Federation, said, “We have informed all drivers to resume operations. The government has accepted our demands.”

In front of the Ibn Sina Hospital in Kalyanpur, several drivers shared their thoughts. Among them, Aminul Islam said, “The strike is over now, but many drivers are still hesitant to return to the roads, fearing further disruptions.”

The BRTA sent a letter to the DMP commissioner’s office, calling for legal action against CNG autorickshaw drivers charging more than the government-set fares.

The letter referred to Section 35(3) of the Road Transport Act, 2018, which requires contract carriage owners or drivers to charge only the fare shown on the meter within their route permit area. Violation of this rule could result in up to six months of imprisonment, a fine of up to Tk 50,000, or both. Drivers could also face penalty points on their licences.

Following the BRTA’s directive, autorickshaw drivers went on strike on Sunday morning. From 8:30am onwards, drivers blocked several roads in Dhaka, including Shonir Akhra, Dholai Pore, Golapbagh, Demra, Basabo, Rampura, College Gate, Agargaon, Mirpur and Mazar Road.

The protests completely shut down two key entry points to the capital -- Jatrabari and Gabtoli -- crippling traffic across multiple roads across the city.

“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.

The BRTA, however, reversed its decision before the drivers could submit the memorandum.

In a new letter signed by Director Shitangshu Shekhar Biswas, the regulator informed the police that the directive to file cases had been withdrawn.

When asked about the change of tack, Shitangshu said, "The law remains in effect and we cannot withdraw it. However, we withdrew the letter that had instructed the police to file cases."

Later, Dhaka Metropolitan Police spokesman Deputy Commissioner Md Talebur Rahman issued a statement confirming that the BRTA’s recent directive concerning four-stroke three-wheeler vehicles had been cancelled. "All concerned parties have been informed and the Dhaka Metropolitan Police requests that the blockades be lifted and that no further obstacles be created to traffic movement."

Following the announcement, drivers called off their protest and resumed work before noon.

Rafiqul Islam, an autorickshaw driver who had left his vehicle in Mohakhali to join the protest, returned to his vehicle upon hearing the news of the letter’s withdrawal.

"We are poor people. How could I come up with Tk 50,000 for a case? If I had to pay that much, I’d starve to death. I heard the directive was withdrawn, so I’m not going to protest anymore. The others are going to the BRTA office," he said.

"I was protesting for a reason, and now the government has accepted our demands. I won’t continue protesting anymore. I’ve taken my vehicle out and I’ll go wherever my fate leads."

As Rafiqul was speaking to bdnews24.com, a procession from the Dhaka District Four-Stroke Autorickshaw Drivers Union, passed through Mohakhali Amatali and was heading towards the BRTA office in Banani’s Chairmanbari area.

After hearing the news, Rafiqul and five other drivers, including Abdur Rahim, tried to board a bus to return to Badda.

One driver, Hamidur Rahman, dressed in a navy-blue shirt, said, "I won’t be fined anymore. I’m heading to the garage as soon as possible."

Once the drivers' demands were accepted, most of them returned to work. Many autorickshaws were seen picking up passengers near Suhrawardy Hospital.

Shortly before noon, traffic towards Dhaka via Gabtoli also returned to normal.

However, even after the directive was withdrawn, Imam Hossain, general secretary of the Dhaka District Four-Stroke Autorickshaw Drivers Union, joined a march in Mohakhali.

"Our central general secretary has instructed us to go to the BRTA office. We’re going to submit a memorandum," he said.

"Simply saying [that the order has been withdrawn] is not enough. We need to go to the BRTA office and hand over the document."