The Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) has announced that CNG and petrol-powered auto-rickshaw drivers who charge passengers beyond the meter fare will face fines of up to Tk 50,000.
The directive also includes legal action against offenders.
This directive was issued in a letter signed by Shitangshu Shekhor Biswas, the BRTA Director (Engineering), on Monday (February 10).
The letter highlights that under the Road Transport Act of 2018, Section 35(3), the owner or driver of a contract carriage is bound to follow the government-approved fare rates within the designated route permit area. Any demand or collection of extra money beyond the meter fare is prohibited.
Violators of this rule will face penalties under Section 81 of the Act, which could result in a fine of up to Tk 50,000, or a maximum prison sentence of 6 months, or both. Additionally, a driver's license may incur a penalty point deduction for the offense.
