Communications Minister Obaidul Quader said there would be no raise in CNG-run auto-rickshaws fare.
However, the minister accepted the demand of auto-rickshaw owners to raise economy-life of CNG-run auto-rickshaw from existing 11 years to 15 years.
The minister made the disclosure while speaking at a press conference after a meeting with the leaders of Dhaka Mohanagar CNG Auto-rickshaw Owners Association Oikya Parishad in the ministry’s conference room yesterday.
The existing fare for CNG-run auto-rickshaws is Tk25 for the first two kilometres and Tk7.74 for travelling every kilometre. Passengers also have to pay Tk1.40 per minute for a halt during a ride.
Obaidul declared that a committee would be formed to look into passengers’ problems and it would also work to ensure the fare as the metre shows.
The ministry officials said a seven-member committee headed by Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) Director (admin) Moshiur Rahman has been formed. Four members of the Oikya Parishad would also be included in the committee.
Instead of following meters as per the decision of the government the drivers of auto-rickshaw charge fare at their will and the passengers are harassed in various ways.
Obaidul Quader said the leaders of CNG owners’ association assured that they would take steps to stop harassment of passengers.
During the meeting, the association placed a five-point demand including stopping police harassment in the name of checking driving licenses.
Quader assured that the communications ministry would request police to stop harassment of CNG drivers.
As per recommendation of Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology overhauling of engine of auto-rickshaw has to be carried out from a certified workshop, the minister said.
“The committee will work to ensure our five-point demand,” Dhaka Mohanagar CNG Auto-rickshaw Owners Association General Secretary ATM Nazmul Hasan told the Dhaka Tribune.