Fine orders canceled, CNG auto-rickshaw drivers requested to vacate the roads

Today, Sunday, CNG auto-rickshaw drivers took to the streets of Dhaka, blocking several key roads in protest against fines imposed for not using meters. 

This caused heavy traffic jams, bringing parts of the city to a standstill. 

The protests erupted after a controversial directive from the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) that threatened to penalize CNG drivers who charged fares higher than the meter.

At 9:15 AM, major blockades appeared in areas like Rampura, Jatrabari, Mirpur-1, and Mirpur-14, preventing vehicles from moving through these busy parts of the capital. 

Commuters were left stranded, while those who managed to make it through faced long delays. 

Dhaka’s main entry point at Gabtoli also saw similar protests earlier in the morning, though drivers later cleared the road.

Though law enforcement was not immediately present, the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) quickly responded with an appeal. 

At 10:15 AM, Muhammad Tarebur Rahman, DMP’s Deputy Commissioner for Media and Public Relations, sent a public message requesting protesters to vacate the roads: 

"The recent directive issued by BRTA regarding four-stroke three-wheeler vehicles has been canceled today, Sunday. All concerned parties have been informed of this, and Dhaka Metropolitan Police urges the withdrawal of the blockade to ensure no obstruction in vehicular movement."

The reason for the protests stems from BRTA’s February 10 order, which had mandated fines or imprisonment for auto-rickshaw drivers found overcharging passengers. 

However, this directive has now been officially canceled, as confirmed in an order signed by BRTA Director (Engineer) Shitangshu Shekhar Biswas. The cancellation was made public earlier today.

This is not the first time CNG drivers have taken to the streets. 

Just a few days ago, on Thursday, drivers blocked Mirpur Road for nearly three hours, demanding the same action – the cancellation of fines for not following meter rates. 

That protest, too, was eventually withdrawn, but it foreshadowed today’s larger-scale disruptions across the capital.

The situation highlights a significant dispute between CNG drivers and authorities over fare regulations. 

With the cancellation of BRTA‍‍`s directive, the issue may settle down for now, but it reflects ongoing dissatisfaction among drivers over pricing rules and the enforcement of meters.

As the city struggles with traffic, the resolution to this issue may offer some relief to frustrated commuters. 

For now, Dhaka police have urged all involved to return to normal, warning that continued blockades will only worsen the traffic chaos.