Three-wheelers defy govt ban

CNG-run auto-rickshaws are still plying on the highways in Chittagong defying a government ban.

Eyewitnesses say such autos are still seen on the Dhaka-Chittagong and Chittagong-Cox's Bazar highways in the district.

In the aftermath, people are still dying in accidents involving these vehicles. Five people were killed in the latest accident on October 9 on Chittagong-Cox's Bazar highway.

Drivers of the three-wheelers claim a section of highway police allow them on the highways after taking bribe. They also claimed they have to use the highways only for a living.

“We have no alternatives to using the highways,” said Kabir Ahmed, a CNG-run auto-rickshaw driver who often makes trips on the highways.

Apart from being a cause of accidents, three-wheelers also create problems for highway vehicles.

Md Jahangir Alam, driver of a lorry, said the three-wheelers abruptly stop here and there hindering smooth movement of the high-speed highway vehicles.

A transport union leader alleged a section of highway police let auto-rickshaws use the highways in exchange of bribe. If they are not given any money, the police seize the vehicles, he claimed.

Sergeant Arun Dewan of Baro Awlia highway police and AKM Kawsar Chowdhury, officer-in-charge of Dohazari highway police, denied the allegations.

They claimed a few autos might sporadically ply on the highways evading the law enforcers' eyes.

Contacted, Rezaul Karim, superintendent of police (Highway), Comilla, said their drives are on against the three-wheelers on the national highways.

The government on August 1 imposed a ban on three-wheelers and all non-motorised vehicles on 22 national highways.