CNG drivers block road in Banani; passengers face severe disruption

CNG drivers from Dhaka district today blocked the road in front of the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) headquarters in Banani, demanding permission to operate within the Dhaka metropolitan area without police interference.

Starting at 10 a.m., members of the Dhaka District CNG Auto Rickshaw Owners-Workers Welfare Society began their sit-in protest outside the BRTA office. By midday, traffic on the main road came to a complete standstill, causing severe congestion on the Mohakhali route. Passengers were left stranded under the scorching sun, facing considerable hardship.

Md. Jewel Maltia, president of the welfare society, warned that no BRTA officials would be allowed to leave the premises during the protest. Speaking to the media, he said, “We have been protesting since 10 a.m., demanding that 2,000 to 3,000 Dhaka district-registered CNGs be allowed to operate in the city. Despite repeated memorandums, BRTA has only given false assurances.” He added, “In 2016, 26 unions were converted into wards and the metropolitan area expanded. Now, they call us illegal in our own area.”

Maltia further accused BRTA officials of corruption, stating, “They take bribes and act against us. Today, we have surrounded BRTA and will not allow any official to leave.”

The Gulshan Traffic Division confirmed that traffic on the Uttara-Mohakhali route is blocked in both directions due to the protest. Incoming vehicles are being diverted via Kakoli through Gulshan-2-1-Amtali or Gulshan-1 via Police Plaza. Outgoing traffic is being redirected via the Elevated Expressway. Additional police personnel have been deployed to manage the situation.

Meanwhile, many passengers waited helplessly in the heat, some seeking information on social media, while others expressed frustration over the ongoing disruption.