CNG 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 six-month jail term or a Tk 50,000 fine for charging fares above the metered rates.

The protesters blocked several key roads across the city, including Shanir Akhra, Dholai Par, Golapbagh, Demra, Rampura, College Gate and Mirpur on Sunday. The disruptions on the first working day of the week have led to severe traffic congestion, reports bdnews24.com.

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.