Brahmanbaria commuters suffer as CNG, auto-rickshaw strike enters third day
At the meeting, leaders protested traffic police actions such as detaining vehicles and demanding large sums of money to release them
CNG-run auto-rickshaw drivers and owners in Brahmanbaria continued their indefinite strike for the third consecutive day today (29 July), causing widespread suffering for commuters across the district.
The strike began on Sunday (27 July), demanding an end to alleged police harassment and permission for CNGs to operate freely across all areas of the district. Although public transport movement returned to normal from this morning, CNG auto-rickshaws remained off the roads.
The decision to enforce the strike was made during an emergency meeting on Saturday (26 July) by the District CNG Auto-Rickshaw Transport Owners' Association.
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At the meeting, leaders protested traffic police actions such as detaining vehicles and demanding large sums of money to release them.
Mizanur Rahman, president of the District CNG Auto-Rickshaw Transport Owners' Association, said police regularly detain their vehicles and do not release them without payment.
"We have raised these issues several times, but no action has been taken. That's why we had no choice but to go on strike," he said
"And the strike will continue until our demands are met," he added.
No CNG-run auto-rickshaws were seen operating from any of the main stands in Brahmanbaria today (29 July).
Drivers and owners gathered at the stands, continuing their strike.
Passengers, especially women, students, and patients, faced difficulties in reaching their destinations. Many complained that battery-powered rickshaws and e-bikes were charging extra fares amid the transportation shortage.
