BRTA CNG Drivers To Be Fined Tk 50,000
BRTA CNG Drivers To Be Fined Tk 50,000. The Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) has issued a stern directive against CNG and petrol-powered auto-rickshaw drivers who overcharge passengers by going beyond the government-approved meter fare. This move comes amid increasing complaints from commuters in Dhaka city and beyond.
Read Also: BRTA Service Portal
BRTA Cracks Down on Overcharging CNG Drivers
According to a recent letter signed by BRTA Director (Engineering) Shitangshu Shekhar Biswas, the authority has officially instructed the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) to take legal action against drivers violating meter fare rules. This includes drivers of 4-stroke three-wheeler auto-rickshaws powered by gas or petrol.
The letter emphasizes that strict enforcement should be applied, especially against those who demand fares higher than the meter rate, which is in clear violation of the Road Transport Act 2018.
Legal Basis – Road Transport Act 2018
The BRTA’s action refers specifically to Section 35(3) of the Road Transport Act 2018, which clearly outlines that:
- Owners and drivers of contract carriages must transport passengers within the designated route permit area.
- They are not allowed to demand any extra fare beyond what is displayed on the meter.
Violation of these rules is considered a punishable offense under Section 81 of the same Act, carrying the following penalties:
| Offense | Punishment |
|---|---|
| Demanding extra fare | Up to 6 months imprisonment or |
| A fine of up to Tk 50,000, or both | |
| One penalty point deduction on driving record |
This firm stance by BRTA highlights the seriousness of the issue and the government’s intent to restore fair fare practices across public transport services in Bangladesh.
Offense Punishment Demanding extra fare Up to 6 months imprisonment or A fine of up to Tk 50,000, or bothOne penalty point deduction on driving record
This firm stance by BRTA highlights the seriousness of the issue and the government’s intent to restore fair fare practices across public transport services in Bangladesh.
Why This Matters for Daily Commuters
Every day, thousands of commuters in Dhaka and other major cities depend on CNG auto-rickshaws for quick transportation. However, reports of overcharging, route refusal, and tampering with meters have long plagued the system, creating a burden for low- and middle-income passengers.
With this new directive, the BRTA aims to ensure accountability, protect passengers’ rights, and bring discipline to the urban transport sector.
How to File a Complaint Against CNG Drivers
The BRTA encourages the public to report any incidents of fare manipulation or overcharging. If a passenger feels they were overcharged, they can:
- Contact the local police station with vehicle registration and driver details
- Lodge complaints via the BRTA official complaint portal
- Dial the BRTA hotline (if available in the respective city)
The CNG overcharging penalty is not only a financial burden for the driver but also adds a penalty point on their driving license record, which could eventually lead to license suspension after repeated offenses.
Reminder to CNG Auto-Rickshaw Drivers
This is a wake-up call for all CNG and petrol auto-rickshaw drivers in Bangladesh. The government has made it clear:
- Stick to the meter fare
- Avoid demanding extra charges
- Respect the passenger’s right to fair pricing
Failure to comply may result in legal action, hefty fines, and loss of license points.
Conclusion
The BRTA Tk 50,000 fine warning is a significant move to combat the ongoing issue of CNG overcharging in Bangladesh. By implementing stricter laws and encouraging public participation through complaints, the authority is working to create a fair, safe, and transparent public transport system for all.
