Dhaka district CNG-run autorickshaw drivers are observing a 24-hour strike in the capital to press home their demands.
The strike began at 6am Sunday and will continue till 6am Monday.
The protesters are seen barring other autorickshaw drivers who are defying the strike.
One striking driver Helal alleged: "Police harass us without any reason. When we stop our vehicles to carry passengers, suddenly show up and said that the autorickshaw to be dumped."
Another driver Milon said: "We cannot afford our family expenses as we have to deposit Tk900 after plying CNG from 8am to 8pm."
Kamal Ahmed, secretary of Dhaka District CNG-run Autorickshaw Drivers Union, said: "The strike is going on successfully. It will continue till tomorrow morning.
"If the government doest not fulfil our demand, we will announce indefinite strike in a press conference tomorrow.”
Their demands included immediately stopping random fine and jailing by the mobile courts over the last several months, immediate release of the drivers who have already been sent to jail by mobile courts, as well as withdrawal of cases filed against them and immediate distribution of 5,000 more CNG-run autorickshaws among the drivers as part of improving quality passenger service.
However, the owners do not agree with the demands.
Dhaka CNG-run Autorickshaw Owners Association Convener Barkatullah Bolu said: “The ongoing strike of CNG-run autorickshaw drivers is irrational. Because maximum owners take deposit under the rules. If someone charge more they will also face punishment."