CNG-run auto-rickshaw owners give ultimatum

The CNG-run auto-rickshaw owners have given the government a three-day ultimatum to set the economic life-span of their vehicles at 15 years.
The ultimatum came at the human chain programme organised by Dhaka City CNG Auto-Rickshaw Owner's Association in front of the National Press Club in the city Saturday.
The leaders of the Association also threatened a three-day non-stop strike from early Tuesday, unless the government meets their demand by the deadline.
Among others, Convener of the Association Barkat Ullah Bulu, Member Secretary ATM Nazmul Hasan and Joint Convener Motaleb Hossain spoke at the human chain programme.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr Hasan said despite recommendation of the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (Buet) to extend the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-driven vehicles' economic life span to 15 years, the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) was not paying heed to the issue.
Terming their demand rightful, he said the economic life-span of CNG-driven vehicles is fifteen years in neighbouring India.  
"The CNG-driven auto-rickshaw service will remain closed for 72 hours from early May 27, if the government fails to meet the demand by May 26", the leader warned.
He also called upon the members of the Association to observe the strike across the country spontaneously.