Auto-rickshaw owners, drivers to form human chains tomorrow

Owners and drivers of three-wheelers will form human chains at every upazila and district tomorrow, demanding withdrawal of the government ban on the operation of three-wheelers on highways.

Bangladesh Auto-Rickshaw Auto-Tempo Malik Sramik Sangram Parishad made the announcement at a press conference at Dhaka Reporters' Unity yesterday.

The road transport and bridges ministry imposed a ban on movement of three-wheeler auto-rickshaws, auto-tempos and other slow-moving and unfit vehicles on highways from August 1, citing that these vehicles are the prime reasons for accidents on the roads. Six days later, the government relaxed the embargo for two hours daily for refuelling of the vehicles.

However, owners and drivers of these vehicles have been demonstrating in protest against the ban since it was imposed.

Addressing the conference yesterday, the parishad leaders reiterated their demand for a separate lane for three-wheelers and other slow-moving vehicles on highways.

They claimed the main reasons for accidents on highways are engineering fault, overloaded and unfit vehicles and unlicensed drivers.

Reading out a written statement, convener of the parishad Golam Faruk said a question has been raised in the public's mind whether the government has any intention to protect the interest of a particular section by imposing the "unjust and irrational" ban. 

The parishad leaders claimed livelihood of around 25 lakh people has been under threat due to the ban.

They threatened to launch a tougher movement if their demand is not met.