Dhaka: Bangladesh Electric Battery and Motor Chalito Auto Rickshaw Auto Bike Service Ltd on Monday demanded registration from the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) to avoid harassment on the road. ‘We are trying to pay our taxes and operate legally,’ said Managing Director Abul Kalam at a press conference at the national press club in the city.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Kalam highlighted that their vehicles are being seized by BRTA officials, who label them as illegal. He explained that to release a seized auto-rickshaw, a fee of Tk 3,000 must be paid. Kalam advocated for the BRTA to develop a clear legal policy for these unregistered battery-run rickshaws.
Kalam emphasized that government registration of the vehicles would not only legalize their operation but also be financially beneficial. He estimated that if each auto rickshaw is registered, the government could collect Tk 8,000 in revenue per vehicle. In Dhaka South City Corporation alone, where approximately 240,000 unregistered battery-run auto rickshaws operate, this could result in nearly Tk 192 crore in revenue.