Only a few drivers charge extra fare
Claim auto-rickshaw owners
Only a few drivers of compressed natural gas (CNG)-run three-wheelers harass passengers demanding extra fare while police harass most drivers in the name of punishment for such offence.
Police disguised as passengers insist drivers to go on contract rather than by metre to create an excuse to arrest them and seize vehicles to extort money from the vehicle owners.
The claims came at a press conference organised by leaders of an organisation “Dhaka Mohanagar CNG Autorickshaw Owners Association” in Dhaka Reporters' Unity auditorium in the city yesterday.
When asked on their role against harassment by drivers, the leaders said they are concerned but have nothing to do unless Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) takes steps. They alleged BRTA demands bribe for fitness certificates.
They placed some demands including increasing the fare rate and rent for owners once more, denying the government's revised rate.
With price hike of CNG, the government on May 13 increased the fare rate from Tk 7 to Tk 7.50 per kilometre (km) and waiting charge from Tk 1.25 to Tk 1.30 per minute.
The owners demanded a fare rate of Tk 9 per km and a waiting charge of Tk 1.50 per minute, increasing the rent from Tk 600 to 800 and increasing the vehicles' valid lifetime from 10 to 13 years.
They warned of tougher agitation programmes if the government fails to meet the demands within June 5.
The association President ATM Nazmul Hasan and General Secretary Harun Or Rashid also spoke.
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