Dissatisfied with lawsuits and fines for overcharging passengers, CNG-run auto-rickshaw drivers staged a road blockade in Dhaka today (Feb 13) protesting the mandatory use of meters.

More than a hundred CNG auto-rickshaw drivers obstructed the Technical College intersection near Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital around 9:40 am.

According to police, the protesting drivers declared their refusal to abide by the directive enforcing metered fares.

Sher-e-Bangla Nagar Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Mohammad Golam Azam told Banglanews that approximately 100 drivers participated in the demonstration, chanting slogans against the metered fare system. However, they vacated the area by 10:05 am.

The protest follows a directive issued by the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) on February 10, mandating that all CNG and petrol-powered auto-rickshaws operate strictly on meters. Violators will face legal action and a fine of Tk 50,000.

Despite government regulations setting the daily deposit for CNG auto-rickshaws at Tk 900, owners allegedly charge Tk 1,100-1,200. besides, although the law does not permit shift-based rentals, owners reportedly collect Tk 1,600-1,800 by imposing two or three shifts per day. 

CNG drivers argue that due to excessive owner demands, roadside extortion, and illegal stand fees, they are unable to operate as per government regulations. They claim that mandatory meter use is not viable under current financial pressures.

“The owners demand Tk 950 per shift. Even if we work the night shift until 6 am, we still have to pay Tk 900. Given these high costs, we cannot sustain our families if we strictly adhere to metered fares,” a driver explained.

On the other hand, passengers frequently complain that CNG drivers disregard meters and demand excessive fares. A journey that should cost Tk 200 per meter often ends up at Tk 350-400, with fares soaring even higher during rain or inclement weather.

BDST: 1314 HRS, FEB 13, 2025
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