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| image source: The Daily Star |
For several hours yesterday, a group of drivers operating CNG-powered autorickshaws blocked the road in front of the BRTA headquarters in Banani. This caused severe hardship for passengers and stopped traffic on the Uttara–Mohakhali route.
Since they are now prohibited from operating in Dhaka, the drivers, who were primarily from the city's outskirts, were requesting authorisation to do so.
In the morning, a number of drivers from outside Dhaka gathered in front of the BRTA headquarters and blocked the road, Banani Police Station officer-in-charge Russell Sarwar informed The Daily Star. Vehicle traffic was stopped in both directions: from Uttara to Mohakhali and from Mohakhali to Uttara.
Later in the afternoon, outbound traffic utilising the opposite lane began its journey from Mohakhali to Uttara, he added.
Vehicles travelling from Uttara to Mohakhali or central Dhaka were rerouted via the Kakoli–Gulshan-2–Gulshan-1–Amtoli or Gulshan-1–Police Plaza roads during the blockade.
Vehicles travelling from Uttara to Tejgaon or Hatirjheel could also utilise the elevated motorway, which was still open for outward traffic.
To control the situation and protect public safety, more police officers were sent to the scene.
Around 6:30 p.m., protesters cleared the road, according to the OC.
News Source: THE DAILY STAR