Participants in a human chain on September 26 demanded elimination of unfit and illegal three-wheelers from the city, urging the government to impose tougher restrictions on the vehicles’ movement.
The protest was organised by a Barisal-based platform of owners of easy-bikes, CNG-run auto-rickshaws and taxicabs in front of the city’s Ashwini Kumar Hall.
It was presided over by former master warrant officer Mobashwer Ali Khondokar, president of the association.
Speakers at the demonstration said there were about 450 tree-wheelers in the city with licences, route permits, and other necessary legal documents from the BRTA and relevant departments.
The number of vehicles plying illegally was five times greater – over two thousand – “putting a severe strain” on legal transport business, they said.
The owners of those illegal and often unfit vehicles manage to operate by bribing policemen and departments responsible for checking irregularities in the sector.
It was also alleged during the programme that the drivers-cum-owners of illegal vehicles paid Tk1,000 per vehicle every month to collect a special token called a “police-bit” for hassle-free operation on the streets.
At least 50% of the collected money allegedly goes to police and the rest distributed among different officials of BRTA, district administration and influential ruling party leaders.
However, when asked about the allegation against police taking bribes and allowing operation of illegal and unfit vehicles, Mujahid Ul Islam, deputy commissioner (traffic) of Barisal Metropolitan Police, said it was not true.
“Regular drives to check the validity, fitness and licences of three-wheelers are launched in the city,” he said.
