Govt’s U-turn on metre-based fare for CNGs; blockade lifted

CNG-run autorickshaws on Dhaka streets_11zon

Dhaka, Feb 16 - CNG-run autorickshaw drivers withdrew their road blockades in parts of the capital city on Sunday soon after the government backed out of its decision to enforce metre-based fare or face fines or jail term.

A notification on the cancellation, signed by Shitangshu Sekhar Biswas, director (engineering) for Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) at BRTA Bhaban in Dhaka’s Banani, was issued in this regard on Sunday morning.

Earlier on February 10, the BRTA issued a notification saying that three-wheeler drivers will be sentenced to jail or fined financially, or both, if they charge extra fares from passengers without following metre reading system.

Protesting the decision, the autorickshaw drivers took to the streets on Sunday morning and blocked roads in Rampura, Badda, Jatrabari, Mohammadpur, Gabtoli areas on Sunday morning, causing immense suffering to commuters.

Vehicular movement resumed after the drivers lifted the protest and left the roads following withdrawal of the order. - UNB