CNG-run auto-rickshaw drivers were charging excessive fares in the capital taking advantage of hartal yesterday, alleged a number of commuters.
On the second day of the opposition enforced 48-hour shutdown, passengers suffered mostly because of the shortage of public buses and high fares charged by the CNG-run auto-rickshaws.
Abdul Quayum, an employee of a garment factory in Tongi, who was waiting for a bus at Farmgate, said: “The CNGs charge Tk400-450 for a trip from Abdullahpur to Farmgate on a hartal day.”
“Transport problems are one of the major concerns during political programmes,” he added.
When asked the reason for defying the rule of counting fare on the meter, Ashraf, a CNG-run auto-rickshaw driver, said: “We get little profit if we follow meters. It is quite hard to run a family with the little money as price of everything has gone up.”
Although number of vehicles increased yesterday compared to the first day of the 48-hour shutdown, they fell short to serve the commuters causing them sufferings.
Fearing violence and attacks on vehicles most of the public transports refrained from running on the streets. However, amid security tightened by police, Rapid Action Battalion, Border Guard Bangladesh and Army, the number started increasing as the day progressed.
While visiting different areas in the capital, this correspondent found a large number of passengers waiting for buses.
Sadia Islam, employee at a private bank, said: “The ruling Awami League and main opposition BNP were not concerned about welfare of public and the people had been suffering because of their conflictive stances.”
“The politicians have no concern regarding sufferings of the general people. Now we want to get a release from the political instability,” she added.
A number of commuters echoed with Sadia.