Transport ministry's clarification

The Road Transport and Highways Division has issued a clarification to The Daily Star News Analysis “5,000 more autos for Dhaka; Govt move runs counter to STP” published on the front page on April 13.

In the clarification, the division under the road transport and bridges ministry said the process of issuing permission to 5,000 more CNG-run auto-rickshaws had not started in recent times and no decision had yet been made in this regard.

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It said the “former communications ministry” in 2007 increased the number of CNG-run auto-rickshaws by 5,000 in addition to existing 13,000 for distribution among the drivers affected by the ban on two-stroke engine “baby taxis” in Dhaka city.

Later, Auto Rickshaw Workers Union filed writ petitions and leave to appeal with the High Court and the Appellate Division. The High Court issued an order containing guidelines for distribution of the CNG-run auto-rickshaws.

The clarification said Road Transport and Highways Division had only been reviewing the approvals given in 2007 and guidelines given later on the writ petition [4818/2010].

It said in continuation of the process, opinions have been sought from Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), Dhaka North City Corporation, Dhaka South City Corporation and the home ministry about the probability of issuing 5,000 CNG-run auto-rickshaws.

The clarification said appropriate measures would be taken after considering all issues concerned for building an ideal public transport system in Dhaka metropolitan city.

It said the division was aware of the ever increasing traffic jams and the people's sufferings in Dhaka city. It said the division was also aware of building an improved public transport system by introducing more large buses.