Staff Reporter :
Autorickshaw drivers from Dhaka and Chittagong City urged the authorities not to give extension of the expired CNG-run three-wheelers any more.
They termed the expired three-wheelers as ‘moving bombs’.
“These old autorickshaws have turned into moving bombs. These vehicles are using expired gas cylinders because replacements are not available. These can explode anytime leading to casualties. So it is not safe for our and passengers lives. We do not want to drive these anymore,” said the drivers council chief Sakhawat Hossin Dulal.
The drivers who are demonstrating in demand for new vehicles asked the BUET’s Mechanical Engineering Department not to recommend expansions of those expiree vehicles.
They have submitted a memorandum to the department of the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology on Sunday with this demand.
Leaders of Dhaka and Chittagong units of CNG Autorickshaw Workers’ Unity Council have taken part in demonstration in front of the university’s main gate before submitting the memorandum.
They tried to organise a rally at the Central Shaheed Minar but police stopped them.
The protesters alleged that the CNG Autorickshaw Owners’ Association was trying to get permission to extend the expiry date of those vehicles submitting application in this regard to the Road Transport and Bridges Ministry.
“The authorities had already extended the expiry date of the autorickshaws in the two city several times from nine years to 15 years,” said Sakhawat Hossin Dulal.
He said also, “The owners are now trying to get more extension though these autorickshaws’ often cause accidents.”
He said that they will go on strike for 48 hours from Dec 27 as they push an eight-point charter of demands. If it is not met, they will stage a nonstop strike from Jan 15.
Their demands are replacing expired autorickshaws with new vehicles in Dhaka and Chittagong.
Distributing 5,000 autorickshaws among the drivers in Dhaka and 4,000 in Chittagong.
Cancelling app-based transport services like Uber and Pathao.
Dropping provisions that go against workers’ interests from a draft transport law.
Cancelling practical test for renewing driving licence.
No case for unauthorised parking.
Stopping ‘harassment’ of drivers.
Allowing registered autorickshaw drivers to travel anywhere in Dhaka district.
