A prolonged dispute between the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) and its contracted supplier, Indian-based Madras Security Printers (MSP), is exacerbating the wait times for applicants seeking smart driving licence cards. The backlog of applications for these essential cards has now reached 610,000, with no guarantee as to when applicants will receive their cards. As per BRTA records, MSP is required to deliver 4 million smart cards by July 2026 under the terms of their Tk 1.2 billion contract, signed in July 2020. However, the supplier has reportedly delivered only half of this number so far. Compounding the issue, MSP has yet to process approximately 600,000 applications. BRTA officials indicate that MSP’s delays have significantly impacted their service delivery, while MSP contends that production is stalled due to unpaid bills by the BRTA. In the meantime, new applications continue to flood in, encompassing fresh applications, renewals, and amendments. For applicants, the prolonged wait for smart driving licence cards creates a host of challenges. Many report that their employment opportunities, both in government and private sectors, are hindered without a valid smart card. MD Rayhan, a city bike driver who applied two years ago, expressed frustration over repeated encounters with traffic police unwilling to recognise temporary documentation, often leading to fines or penalties. Environment Ministry urges BRTA to phase out 20-25-yr old buses, trucks In an attempt to address these issues, the BRTA has introduced an e-paper driving licence system, offering applicants a temporary document with a QR code after they pass their driving tests. According to BRTA’s Director of Audit and Law, Mohammed Kamrul Islam, this system serves as an interim solution, allowing individuals to drive until they receive their smart cards. “The supplier is still struggling to meet their commitments, so we introduced this system as an alternative,” he explained. Historically, BRTA has relied on various contractors for smart card issuance. Before MSP, local firm Tiger IT Bangladesh Limited, in collaboration with a French company, successfully fulfilled its agreement, providing approximately 1.5 million cards ahead of schedule due to high demand. The ongoing crisis prompted the newly installed interim government to announce a shift in policy. Taking office on 8 August after the ouster of the Awami League-led government, the administration declared an end to the smart card programme for driving licences, replacing it with standard Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) cards. The delays in smart card issuance reportedly date back to the tenure of former Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader, who allegedly faced accusations of preferential contract awards. The issue of alleged corruption within the BRTA also looms large. Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) reported in 2021 that 83.1% of households experienced some form of corruption when seeking a driving licence, with 83.7% relying on intermediaries or “brokers” to expedite services. Moving forward, BRTA sources indicate that new applicants will receive PVC cards while older applicants must submit their previous cards. However, there remains no clear timeline for when these will be issued.

Drivers of battery-run three wheelers have been staging demonstration blocking roads in Dhaka’s Mirpur, Pallabi and some other areas since Sunday (May 19, 2024) morning, demanding withdrawal of ban on the movement of the vehicle in the capital. Vehicular movement remained suspended  as of filing this report at 1:40pm, on Mirpur-10 to 11, 2, 13 and Shewrapara roads, causing immense suffering to commuters. Abu Saleh Md Raihan, joint commissioner (traffic-north) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), said three-wheeler drivers started demonstration around 9am obstructing  plying of other vehicles, resulting in suffering of common people. Sub-Inspector Mostaq Ahmed, duty officer of Pallabi police station, said though police teams were sent to the Mirpur area remove them from the roads, the protesters are yet to leave the roads. Increase vigilance on movement of three-wheelers, motorcycles during Eid holidays: Quader Witnesses said several hundred three-wheeler drivers gathered in the Mirpur-10 intersection to press home their demand in the morning. Police requested them to leave the busy road but they didn’t listen to them. Currently, the three-wheeler drivers have been staging demonstration  in Mirpur, Pallabi, Agargaon, Taltola, Kalshi and Mirpur-13 areas. Earlier on Wednesday, Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader instructed the authorities concerned to take steps to stop the movement of battery-run three wheelers on the roads in Dhaka city. Commuters bear the brunt as 48hr transport strike in Ctg underway in response to buses burnt by CUET students “No battery-run three wheelers will be allowed on city roads. Apart from this, the movement of three wheelers has already been prohibited on 22 highways,” he said while speaking at the advisory council meeting at Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) headquarters on that day.

Roads in Bangladesh have become more dangerous with fatalities and injuries almost every day and the two highways from Dhaka to Khulna and Barishal are two of those which have witnessed 320 fatalities in the past one year. Unskilled drivers, over-speed, negligence of authorities concerned and rules violation are blamed for the frequent road accidents on highways although the highway police claimed that several measures have been taken to reduce road accidents. The recent deadly road crash on Dhaka-Khulna highway that claimed 15 lives raised question whether these measures were adequate to control the fatal accidents . On April 16, 15 people including five members of a family died in a collision between a bus and a pick-up van on Dhaka-Khulna highway at Kanaipur of Faridpur district. A five-member probe body was formed to investigate the accident and  two more members including an expert from Buet were also included in the committee, headed by Additional district Magistrate Ali Siddique. Faridpur road crash: 18-month old loses both parents The committee was asked to submit its report within three working days. At least one representative from the Roads and Highways division, Highway police, district police and Fire Service were also included in the committee. National Committee to protect Shipping, Roads and Railways (NCPSRR) said the authorities concerned including police and BRTA can’t avoid responsibility for the Faridpur road crash on Dhaka-Khulna highway. Condemning the authorities’ negligence, the NCPSRR said although carrying passengers on trucks, pick-up vans and good- laden vehicles is prohibited the vehicle was heading towards Dhaka from Faridpur’s Boalmari with 25-30 passengers on board. On March 8, three people died and ten others were injured when a bus overturned on Dhaka-Barishal highway in Bhanga. Besides, nine people died in separate accidents in January. Roads and Highways division and highway police blame over-speed, unskilled drivers, reckless plying of motorbikes and pedestrians’ desperate bid to cross the highways behind the accidents and fatalities. 5-member probe body formed over Faridpur road crash According to Faridpur Highway Police sources, the length of the Bangabandhu Expressway from Jatrabari in Dhaka to Bhanga in Faridpur is 55 kilometers. Of these, 32 kilometers are from Jatrabari to Padma Bridge and 23 kilometers from Janjira to Bhanga. In the last one year, 131 people were killed in 135 accidents on the expressway and of these, 63 accidents occurred in Bhanga portion that claimed lives of 67 people. There are five highway police stations, one police outpost and two camps under the 381 km highway in Madaripur region. Shahinur Alam Khan, superintendent of Madaripur Region highway police, said 320 lives were lost on the two highways in the last one year but a number of measures have been taken to prevent road crashes. In the past one year, 28,404 cases were filed and Tk 9,43,26,200 was fined for reckless driving on the two highways, said the SP. Police, BRTA can’t avoid responsibility for fatal Faridpur road crash: National Committee Besides, 271 cases were filed in 432 road accidents on Dhaka-Khulna and Dhaka-Barishal highways, he said. Morshed Alam, superintendent of Faridpur police, said the owners and transport workers must play a big role alongside the passengers to stop accidents on highways. Besides, the residents along the highways have to be more responsible while using highways, he said.

In Bangladesh, motorcycles, with their ease of navigation and cost-effectiveness, have become a popular mode of transport. However, this preference comes with a significant drawback: motorcycles are at the epicenter of the nation’s road safety crisis. While there was a hopeful decrease in motorcycle-related accidents in the past year compared to 2022, these two-wheelers remain the most common protagonist in the tragic tales of road accidents across the country. The situation is dire, with not only deaths being a common outcome but an increasing number of individuals suffering life-altering injuries, including the loss of limbs. The National Committee to Protect Shipping, Roads and Railways (NCPSRR), a vigilant civic organization, illuminates this pressing issue with alarming statistics: from 2020 to 2023, 33-40% of all annual road accidents involved motorcycles. This figure has been on a distressing upward trajectory since the start of this year. According to the NCPSRR, the daily average ranges from 8 to 10 fatalities in 10 to 12 motorcycle accidents—a grim statistic that often escapes the attention of the national media spotlight. The heart of this crisis is attributed to the presence of underage, unskilled, and unlicensed drivers on the roads. The lack of stringent enforcement by the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) and the police has been pinpointed as a contributing factor. Ashis Kumar Dey, the general secretary of NCPSRR, doesn’t mince words when he lists the reasons behind the spike in motorcycle accidents: the proliferation of motorcycles, including many that are unlicensed, and reckless driving habits are significant contributors. Dey strongly believes that both law enforcement and the regulatory body, BRTA, need to intensify their efforts. Motorcycle rider dies in Dinajpur road crash To combat this escalating problem, Dey proposes a comprehensive crackdown on underage and unlicensed riders and unregistered motorcycles. He advocates for the implementation of mobile courts across all districts for three consecutive months, a bold strategy aimed at curtailing the rampant violations contributing to road safety hazards. The Road Safety Foundation (RSF) adds a quantitative dimension to the discourse with its annual report, revealing that in 2023, 6,524 individuals, including 974 women and 1,128 children, lost their lives in 6,911 road accidents across the country. Motorbike riders and pillion passengers comprised a staggering 38.12% of these fatalities. Delving deeper into the data, RSF provides a comparative analysis of motorcycle accidents and fatalities over recent years, presenting a grim narrative of increasing incidents and loss of lives, peaking in 2022. However, a glimmer of hope emerges from the 2023 statistics, showing a 14.83% decrease in accidents and a 19.54% drop in fatalities compared to the previous year. Despite this positive trend, Saidur Rahman, executive director of RSF, remains cautious, warning that this decrease should not be prematurely celebrated as a sign of sustained improvement in road safety. Rahman further elaborates on the challenges at hand, pointing out that motorcycles constitute 71% of all motor vehicles in the country, with a significant portion of these riders being teenagers and young adults. This demographic exhibits a pronounced disregard for traffic laws, exacerbated by a lack of stringent monitoring and enforcement, leading to reckless behavior and tragic outcomes. The discourse takes a critical turn as Rahman highlights the frequent clashes between motorcycles and larger vehicles such as trucks, covered vans, and buses. The drivers of these larger vehicles often lack the necessary skill or are overworked, contributing to their involvement in accidents with motorcycles. The inadequacy of the public transport system and the chronic issue of traffic congestion have further popularized motorcycles as a preferred mode of transport, despite the associated risks. Man hit by motorcycle in Jatrabari dies In a noteworthy development, Rahman acknowledges the role of increased awareness and the efforts of highway police in the recent decline in motorcycle accidents. Abu Raihan Md Saleh, Joint Commissioner (Traffic-North) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police, supports this view, attributing the reduction in accidents to the rigorous enforcement of traffic laws. Saleh’s remarks underline the police’s commitment to curbing reckless riding, unregistered bikes, and license violations, although this has led to complaints from bikers about perceived overzealous policing. Saleh also emphasizes the crucial role of parental responsibility in preventing underage and inexperienced individuals from taking to the roads on motorcycles. He expresses optimism that with heightened vigilance from parents and guardians, the trend of motorcycle accidents can be further curbed. This multifaceted crisis of motorcycle safety in Bangladesh calls for a concerted effort from all stakeholders: law enforcement, regulatory bodies, civic organizations, and the community at large. The statistics and stories paint a clear picture of the challenge ahead, yet they also offer a blueprint for action. By addressing the root causes of motorcycle accidents and implementing targeted safety measures, Bangladesh can hope to navigate its way out of this perilous situation, making its roads safer for everyone. Increase vigilance on movement of three-wheelers, motorcycles during Eid holidays: Quader

As many as 394 people were dead in 398 road accidents across the country in September this year, according to data compiled by the Road Safety Foundation. Among the casualties, 48 were women and 53 were children. Road Safety Foundation, a non-government organization, prepared the report based on information from nine national dailies, seven online news portals, and electronic media, according to a press release. Also read: 496 killed, 681 hurt in accidents in September: Jatri Kalyan Samity Among the casualties of road accidents across the country, 151 (38.32 percent) were motorcyclists; 16 (4.06 percent) were bus passengers; 15 (3.80 percent) were riders of trucks, covered vans, pickups; and 68 (17.25 percent) were riders of three-wheelers like CNG, easybikes, and autorickshaws. According to the Road Safety Foundation's analysis, 139 (34.92 percent) accidents occurred on national highways, 183 (45.97 percent) on regional roads, 49 (12.31 percent) on rural roads, 22 (5.52 percent) on urban roads, and 5 (1.25 percent) in other places. Also read: 3 people, including SI, die in separate road accidents in Dinajpur The report reveals that in September, Dhaka division saw the highest number of accidents, with 121 reported accidents resulting in 116 fatalities. Sylhet division recorded the lowest number of accidents, with just 20 incidents, while Mymensingh division had the lowest number of fatalities, totaling 23. At least 17 people were dead and 21 were injured in 23 accidents in the capital city Dhaka, Road Safety Foundation data shows. The organization identified several factors contributing to the high number of casualties on the country's roads, including, reckless driving, slow-moving vehicles on highways, absence of fixed pay and working hours for drivers, inadequate traffic management, limited capacity of Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA), and prevalence of extortion within the public transport sector. According to Road Safety Foundation, 378 lives were lost in 403 road accidents across the country in August. Also read: 378  people die in 403 road accidents in August: Road Safety Foundation

When it comes to driving from one place to another, having a driving license is not just a privilege but a necessity. But when it makes that transition time-consuming, the journey becomes downright painful. Unfortunately, it has been a regular scenario in Bangladesh. However, thanks to the Smart Card Driving Licence, the possibilities in the road transport sector are beginning to unfold. This is going to be a signature service of BRTA (Bangladesh Road Transport Authority). Let’s discuss the steps to get a BRTA Smart Card Driving License hassle-free. What is the BRTA Smart Card Driving License? The BRTA's Smart Card Driving License streamlines the license acquisition process, storing driver information and expediting police verification. Previously, applicants needed to apply separately for learner and smart card licenses through BSP (BRTA Service Portal). Later on November 16, 2022, a merged online form was launched, simplifying this. It, even, comes with some new benefits. New Benefits of BRTA Smart Card Driving License - Single visit to the examination center for biometric, written, oral, and practical tests.- BSP portal registrants receive a learner license with an online QR code for temporary nationwide driving.- Services also include fee payment, exam results, application submission, and status tracking.- Smart card licenses are sent by post. Read more: Smart NID Card in Bangladesh: Online Application Process, Documents Needed, Fees Prerequisites for BRTA Smart Card Driving License It includes mental and physical qualifications, education up to at least class 8, and minimum ages of 21 for professional and 18 for non-professional drivers. Importantly, passing the learner’s test is mandatory to apply for a smart card license. How to Apply for the BRTA Smart Card E-Driving License Required Documents Most documents needed for a learner’s driving license application also apply here, including:- Recent passport-sized photograph of the applicant (300/300 pixels)- Medical certificate from a registered doctor. Applicant's NID - One utility bill (gas/electricity/water) if the current address differs from the NID- Certificate of educational qualification- Proof of passing learner’s driving license test- Refer to the provided links for police investigation reports, where applicable. http://www.brta.gov.bd/site/page/511a7af4-20c8-4450-b4a6-5f92dde1b23f/- http://www.brta.gov.bd/site/page/4258fc8f-8aec-4895-b11d-a0b33b489af2/- Please ensure that all documents are scanned and prepared before applying online. The scanned passport-sized photo file should not exceed 150 KB (kilobyte), while other files should stay within 600 KB. Read more: Bangladesh Smart National ID Card Correction Process: Payments and Necessary Documents Online Application Process To apply online, visit the BSP portal at https://bsp.brta.gov.bd/. Begin by creating an account on the portal through registration, which will store all the driving-related information. Let's proceed step by step through the application process. Registration - Click on the 'Registration' menu at the top right of the BSP portal.- Complete the registration by providing the date of birth, NID, and mobile number.- Verify the mobile number through the OTP (one-time-password) sent to it.- Finish the registration by setting a password. Access the BSP portal using the mobile number and password. Those who have already registered can enter their accounts directly by clicking on the 'Login' menu on the site. Application for Learner’s Driving License - After logging in, the user will encounter their customer dashboard. On the left-hand side, they should navigate to the 'Driving Licence' sub-menu and select 'Application for Driving Licence.'- The next page displays the required documents. Download the Medical Certificate form via the 'Click Here' link.- Obtain a medical certificate from a registered doctor or medical officer based on this form.- Follow the terms on the page and click 'I agree' to proceed to the next step. Read more: Where to Learn Car Driving in Dhaka? NID Information This step initializes the 5-step driving license application process. The NID number will auto-fill, considering it was provided earlier. Click 'Next' to proceed to the 2nd step. Driving License Information - Choose the driving license language, type, class of motor vehicle, and type of applicant (Learner and Smart Driving License).- Click 'Next,' and a popup message confirms the successful saving of information. Click 'OK' to proceed. Basic Applicant Information - Some information will be pre-populated based on the NID. Additional data needs to be input.- Complete mandatory fields, including educational qualification, blood group, occupation, marital status, nationality, and dual citizenship. Click 'Next,' then 'OK' as before. Address and Contact Information - Provide emergency contact details, including both permanent and current addresses.- If the current address remains unaltered, input it in English, mirroring the left-side display.- If the current address differs, click 'No' and input the changed address in both Bengali (left side) and English (right side). Click 'Next' and 'OK' as before to proceed. Read more: Bangladesh e-Passport Information Update: Step by Step Procedure, Related Costs Attachment and Smart Card Distribution Information - Attach scanned copies of the required documents collected earlier. Click 'Choose File' to upload and 'Save' to attach. Use the 'View' button to preview attachments.- The address for smart card delivery via post is auto-filled. Alternatively, select 'Others' to specify a different address, providing full details.- Click 'Submit' to verify the information one last time. Make any necessary changes or confirm if all is accurate. If everything is correct, click 'Fees Deposit.' Fee Deposit - Note that only the learner's driving license application fee is required here.- Click 'Submit Fee,' proceed to the 'Payment Confirmation' page, and provide payment details, including the method and mobile number.- Confirm the payment by ticking the box next to the payment terms and clicking 'Confirm.'- The page will display the successful fee deposit, and the user can print the learner's driving license or the payment receipt. Application for Smart Card Driving License Prior to applying online for the smart card driving license, the individual must successfully pass the driving proficiency test. Check the test result by accessing the 'Application for Driving License' menu on the customer dashboard within the BSP portal. The test result will also be conveyed to the mobile number provided during the application. Read more: Bangladesh E-passport Error Correction Process Attach Required Documents - Click 'View & Next Step' to access the attachment page, where documents attached during the learner driving license application will be pre-loaded.- Upload the 'Pass Learner' certificate and proof of passing the driving proficiency test. Additionally, attach any other required documents where applicable. Payment of Fees - To pay the fee through a bank, click 'Deposit fee through the bank.' For online payment, choose 'Deposit the driving license fee online.'- For online payment, click 'Pay Now' on the online payment page.- For bank payments, collect the e-tracking number from the bank's receipt and enter it in the 'Enter e-tracking number' box. Click 'Verify e-tracking number' to confirm payment details.- Review all payment information and click 'Submit' to complete the final payment of the fee. E-Paper Driving License Upon successful application submission for the smart card driving license, the e-paper license form will be displayed on the dashboard once approved by BRTA. Download and print it for use as a valid driving license until the physical smart card arrives. The dashboard will also display the latest license status. Read more: Highway Robbery Prevention Tips while Driving at Night Getting the Smart Card Driving License in Hand Once the entire smart card driving license preparation process is finished, it will be displayed on the dashboard. The smart card driving license will then be sent by post to the address specified in your application. BRTA Smart Card Driving License Fees Learner driving license fees are to be paid exclusively through the BSP portal. The fee for one motor vehicle is BDT 518, while for two motor vehicles, it is BDT 748. For a 10-year non-professional license during the smart card driving license application, the cost is BDT 4,557. The 5-year professional license costs BDT 2,832. Summing Up There are actually two main phases, summarizing the methods for obtaining a BRTA Smart Card Driving License described above. The first phase precedes the driving skills test, primarily dealing with the procedure for acquiring a learner's driving license. The second phase of obtaining BRTA e-driving license emphasizes the digitization aspects associated with its transformation into smart cards. Read more: How to Get a Trade License in Bangladesh?

Bangladesh Ambulance Owners Welfare Association has called for an indefinite nationwide strike to press home their six-point demand, including the withdrawal of taxes imposed by Bangladesh Road Transport Authority(BRTA). The strike of private ambulance owners will begin on Tuesday (July 25, 2023) if the demands are not met by today, said Gulam Mostafa, President of the Bangladesh Ambulance Owners Welfare Association on Monday. Not enough fuel allocation means no ambulance service at Faridpur General Hospital for 45 days Other demands include formation of a national policy on ambulances and the implementation of prime minister’s announced toll-free facility for ambulances. The ambulance owners also demanded parking facilities at all hospitals in the country, the facility to fill up fuel at filling stations without having to wait in lines while transporting a patient, and uninterrupted travel on roads. 4 dead, 3 injured as truck collides with ambulance in Gopalganj

Around 1,484 people were killed and 2,485 others injured in 1,302 road crashes across Bangladesh in last three till March 31 in 2023. It means, 16 (16.48) people died on average per day during the period. During the period the number of accidents involving motorcycles was the highest. Some 579 people died in 527 motorcycle accidents which are  40.47 and 39.01 percent of total fatalities and accidents respectively, according to a report of Shipping and Communication Reporters Forum (SCRF) released on Sunday (April 09, 2023). Read: 2 teens on motorcycle killed in Cumilla road accident According to the organization, the report has been prepared based on the information published in 12 Bengali national dailies, five English national dailies, nine online news portals and news agencies and six regional dailies. In the report, the SCRF has recommended maintaining the ban on motorcycle movement on the Padma Bridge and banning his vehicle on all highways during Eid travel to avoid accidents. The report said that maximum 479 accidents occurred in March where 584 people lost lives and 1,102 injured. Lowest 392 accidents resulted in 411 fatalities and 1,102 injuries respectively in February. Besides, 489 people died in 431 road accidents in January. Read: Student killed in bike accident in Dhaka In these three months, maximum 421 accidents occurred on highways which is 32.33 percent of total accidents. Besides, 327 accident occurred on regional roads which is 25.11 percent. SCRF identified 16 causes of road crashes in the report. Unfit vehicles, unskilled and physically unfit drivers, reckless driving, overtaking,  drivers and helpers’ mental exhaustion, non-fixed weekly holiday and working hours. dilapidated roads at different places significant number of risky turning points on national highways and inter-district roads, movement of slow speed three wheelers on highways, lack of capacity of BRTA and the irregularities and corruption of officials and employees concerned and poor traffic management are among those reasons. Read more: Two ninth-graders killed on Sylhet-Tamabil highway as motorcycles collide

Bangladesh's National Committee to Protect Shipping, Roads and Railways today (April 03, 2023) demanded a ban on motorbike movement on all highways for at least 9 days before, during and after Eid. The organisation also called for taking strict action to stop the movement of three-wheelers and charging extra bus fare on all inter-district roads, including highways, during Eid travel. The national committee President Haji Mohammad Shahid Mia and its general secretary Ashis Kumar Dey made this call in a statement. Besides, leaders of the civic organisation demanded to stop the movement of unregistered, defective and unauthorized vehicles on all roads and highways of the country. Read More: National Committee for taking action against lakhs of illegal vessels They also urged Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) to strengthen the operation of mobile court and law enforcement agencies, including police, to implement these demands. Emphasizing safe and hassle-free Eid travel, the statement said that the number of motorcycle accidents across the country is increasing at a geometric rate. Motorcycle accidents accounted for more than 40 percent of all road crashes last year. There is a fear of more mishaps during the Eid season due to the long-distance commute on these two-wheelers. Small and unsafe vehicles slow down larger vehicles like buses and trucks on highways and inter-district roads, the statement said. This increases the risk of accidents and traffic jams. Despite the government ban, various types of three-wheelers including battery-powered rickshaws and numerous locally made vehicles such as Nasimon, Karimon, Bhotbhoti and Alam Sadhu are plying the highways and inter-district roads across the country. Read More: National Committee for reducing metro rail fare by 50% Citing examples from the near past, the statement of the national committee alleged that on many roads, various transport companies charge commuters one-and-a-half to double the fare on every Eid trip. As a result, bus owners and workers earn extra money, but general people are suffering financial losses.

Leaders of the Bangladesh Auto-Rickshaw Light Vehicle Transport Workers Federation (BALTWF) have alleged that Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) is helping auto-rickshaw owners exploit their drivers. “BRTA is allowing CNG-run auto-rickshaw owners to realise excessive deposits from drivers against their vehicles in daily operation”, said Golam Faruk, general secretary of BALTWF while addressing a human-chain protest in front of Jatiya Press club on Monday. He also alleged that by collecting excessive daily deposits the owners are forcing the drivers to ask their passengers to pay more against the rides. “Actually, the CNG-auto-rickshaw drivers are being used by owners as a tool to make their extra profits. The drivers are the victims of the vehicle owners’ greed”, he added. READ: Stop taking extra fares on public transport, HC asks BRTA The other leaders of the BALTWF alleged that the BRTA is not taking any action against such malpractices of the CNG auto-rickshaw owners. Rather, BRTA is holding meeting with the representatives of some so-collard workers organisations which don’t have any legal registration with the Labour Directorate. So, CNG auto-rickshaw drivers will never accept any decision of the meeting of BRTA where their true representation is not ensured, they said. They also demanded that the government takes action against the owners for unauthorised fixation of daily deposits. The protest programme, with Sikder Benezir Ahmed in the chair, was also addressed byBALTWF leaders Rafiqul Islam, Joynul Abedin Shanto, Md Noab Ali and Selim Mahmud.