Commuters’ woes worsen in absence of public transport

Commuters in different parts of Dhaka are facing extreme difficulties in reaching their destinations today (Wednesday) as majority of the transport owners suspended bus services protesting the enforcement of the Road Transport Act 2018.

Very few public transports except for those of the state-owned Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation are seen plying the roads.

Many commuters are paying double or triple fares on autorickshaws as drivers take advantage of the situation.

Meanwhile, transport workers in Signboard area of Narayanganj this morning put barricade on the roads, bringing the vehicular movement on Dhaka-Narayanganj, Dhaka-Chattogram highway to a complete halt.

The rampant workers are not even allowing the privately owned vehicles to ply on the roads, according to local media reports.

On Tuesday, Bangladesh Truck and Covered-van owners association called for an indefinite country-wide strike effective from today.

They put forward their nine-point demand including amendment to the act by reducing fines and punishment in adjustment with the earnings of transport owners and workers.

The road transport act came into effect on November 1, but the government delayed its implementation for two weeks to create awareness among people about the law.

As the government started its implementation on Monday, bus drivers and their assistants in 11 districts went on an indefinite wildcat strike the next day and their fellows in Gazipur joined them on Tuesday.