On Saturday, Dhaka commuters were stuck in traffic for hours after thousands of CNG auto-rickshaw drivers jammed major roads in the Banani area. The protest, which started in the late morning, was called to bring attention to a number of ongoing issues the drivers complain are being disregarded by the authorities.
The drivers parked their cars on the roads in the middle. Stopping traffic in one of the capitals busiest business districts. Banani, with numerous offices and restaurants. And shops experienced huge disruptions as office workers, students, and daily commuters were made to walk or wait for hours in the scorching sun.
The main cause of the demonstration, as identified by the protesting drivers, was the recent increase in fuel prices as well as the high daily lease charges imposed by car owners. They argued that the rise in CNG prices has significantly lowered their take-home pay. It is challenging for them to stay alive.
“We are working day and night, sometimes even 12 to 14 hours, but still we hardly get enough to feed our families,” said Abdul Karim, 42, a driver. “The price of everything is increasing—fuel, rent, food — but our salaries remain constant or even decrease.”
Another significant complaint was the harassment by the law enforcement agencies. Most drivers complain that they are frequently fined or halted by traffic police without justification. “Sometimes we are fined for rules we didn’t even break,” complained one demonstrator. “It feels like we are being targeted unfairly just for trying to earn a living.”
The public and authorities were immediately drawn to the demonstration. More than a dozen police units were sent to handle the crowd and prevent the situation from getting out of hand. The officers tried to negotiate with the motorists and clear the streets, but the protest lasted for hours.
The city authorities reported that they were aware of the protest march and were holding discussions with the representatives of CNG unions. A high-ranking DMP official said, “We appreciate the drivers’ concerns, but it is not the way to block roads. It creates problems for thousands of people. We are attempting to resolve it peacefully.”
Traffic planners and urban planners have historically highlighted. The vulnerable state of Dhaka’s transport system, where the slightest disruption may cause massive congestion. The protest on Saturday comes as a reminder once again of the urgent need for more sustainable urban transport planning. And improved labour policies for daily-wage workers like CNG drivers.
By evening, the Banani roads started clearing slowly as a few drivers departed from the protest location. The issues raised, however, are yet to be addressed. And driver unions have threatened further protests within days if their demands are not addressed.
