CNG-run auto-rickshaw drivers on Friday placed a 10-point demand including stoppage of illegal toll collection on roads and providing them with long-term bank loans at low-interest rate along with 50 per cent subsidy.
The drivers at a rally held in front of the National Press Club also alleged that auto-rickshaw owners had increased daily deposit money twice even during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
They were operating CNG-run auto-rickshaws with the burden of loan of Tk 1,600 daily, the drivers said, adding that around 0.1 million drivers and 10 million passengers are hostage to only 1,000 owners in the capital city.
Other demands include fixing daily deposit at Tk 500 for the capital city while Tk 300 for cities outside Dhaka, issuance of appointment letters to drivers and new licences, easing the procedures for renewal of old licences, allowing them to operate CNG-run auto-rickshaws on highways, repair of dilapidated roads, marking zebra-crossing, building speed-breakers and approach roads with coloured marks for ensuring the safety of CNG auto-drivers and passengers.
Convener of Bangladesh CNG Auto-rickshaw Drivers Sangram Council Sheik Hanif and its joint conveners Aminul Islam, Forkan and A R Jahangir, among others, were present at the rally.
talhabinhabib@yahoo.com