Auto-rickshaw strike in partially observed in city

Strike called by auto-rickshaw drivers to protest the ongoing crackdown on illegal driving license holders in the city yesterday was observed in certain areas, according to witnesses and leaders of the drivers' association.

A few auto-rickshaws were seen plying the roads in the capital but most of them were off the streets, witnesses said.

Clashes between police and autorickshaw drivers were reported from old parts of the city during yesterday's crackdown. Some vehicles were also ransacked during the clashes, witnesses said. Police said none was hurt or arrested.

DMP traffic officials, however, said that many autorickshaw drivers did not come out on the streets fearing police crackdown. Majority of the auto-rickshaw drivers were holding fake licenses, they alleged.

The two-week old crackdown on illegal and smoke-emitting vehicles will continue for few more days, sources said.

Some auto-rickshaw drivers, contacted by The Daily Star, alleged that police started a crackdown on them and was charging a "fine" of Tk 2,000.

Police were allegedly taking advantage of the situation since most of the auto-rickshaw drivers did not have legally issued licenses.

A genuine driving licence for auto-rickshaw would cost about Tk 4,000 while a fake one could be obtained for Tk 800 only, some drivers alleged.