Auto-rickshaw and light vehicle drivers have alleged that they are not receiving any financial aid from city corporations or any other administrative office despite the government’s promise to provide them lockdown cash and food support. In a statement on Saturday, Abul Hossain and Golam Faruk, President and General Secretary of the Bangladesh Auto-Rickshaw Light Vehicle Transport Workers Federation (BALTWF) respectively, said their organisation has submitted the list of affected transport workers to the Relief Ministry, City Corporations and deputy commissioners.   “But we received no response from any administration as yet”, they said adding, it is frequently heard that the government has allocated crores of taka and tons of foods for the affected transport workers in the lockdown.  Also read: Auto-rickshaw workers seek PM’s intervention to overcome their hardships “All these are reported by newspapers. Where these supports are gone?,” they raised question.  The statement mentioned that the BALTWF have also placed their demands through press conference, meeting and human chain programmes in front of National Press Club. But no one heeded their appeals.  It said the transport workers fear hunger more than coronavirus.  Also read: Auto-rickshaw, light vehicles workers demand food, cash support amid 'lockdown' The BALTWF leaders urged the government lift the ban on transport movement considering livelihoods emergency of the auto-rickshaw and light vehicles drivers and workers.

Bangladesh Autorickshaw and Light Vehicles Transport Workers Federation (BALVTWF) on Saturday held a human chain and demonstrated in front of National Press Club demanding assistance from the government to survive the general holidays announced to prevent coronavirus outbreak.