Battery-powered autorickshaw drivers in Savar staged widespread demonstrations and blocked major roads on Tuesday with protesting a sharp increase in garage rental fees and demanding higher passenger fares.
The protest which crippled local transport across key areas in Savar municipality Bank Town, Katlapur, Genda, Ulail and Talbagh began after driver associations announced a three-day strike via loudspeakers late Monday night. By Tuesday morning, groups of drivers gathered at several intersections and along the Dhaka-Aricha highway to enforce the movement shutdown.
Demonstrators halted operating autorickshaws forced passengers to disembark and deflated vehicle tires. Witnesses reported instances of physical assault against drivers who attempted to carry passengers despite the strike call. Regular traffic including buses and private vehicles was not obstructed.
Protesting drivers explained that garage owners had steadily increased daily fees over the past 18 months also citing rising electricity costs. Charges recently escalated from Tk.150 to Tk.250 per vehicle per day, prompting drivers to demand an immediate fee reduction or an official hike in passenger fares to offset the financial burden.
Despite reports of enforced road blockades the law enforcement presence was minimal during the morning protests. Addressing the situation the Savar Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Md Saiful Alam stated that police had deployed personnel to key points and were maintaining order.
The OC noted that while drivers claimed to be conducting a peaceful protest, police are investigating whether external groups or ulterior motives are influencing the disruption. Strict legal action will be taken if formal complaints regarding assault or property vandalism are filed as the authorities assured.
