More than 36,000 unregistered CNG-powered auto-rickshaws are reportedly operating on regional roads and highways across Sirajganj, raising concerns over public safety, road discipline and government revenue losses.
According to information obtained from the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, only 4,010 CNG-run auto-rickshaws are officially registered in the district. The last registration was issued on 24 December 2018, and no new CNG registration has been granted in the past eight years.
Many registered vehicles have also failed to renew their fitness certificates, route permits and tax tokens for years, creating further questions over the legality of thousands of vehicles operating on the roads.
Transport sector sources allege that weak enforcement and a so-called ‘token trade’ system run by some owners’ associations have allowed unregistered vehicles to continue operating. It is alleged that many drivers collect monthly tokens instead of completing official procedures for fitness, tax and permits.
Sources claim that if around 40,000 vehicles pay Tk500 monthly as token fees, the unofficial transaction could amount to nearly Tk2 crore per month and Tk24 crore annually. Local residents and conscious citizens have demanded an investigation into where this money goes and whether any officials are involved.
Registering a single CNG auto-rickshaw costs Tk18,500. Across the district, around 36,000 such CNGs are reportedly operating without registration, resulting in a potential government revenue loss of approximately Tk666 crore over the past eight years, according to official estimates.
Meanwhile, Sirajganj Deputy Commissioner and President of the District Passenger and Goods Transport Committee Mohammad Aminul Islam has recommended giving unregistered vehicles an opportunity to complete registration and update documents by waiving overdue penalties. The recommendation was sent to the BRTA chairman on 13 July following a request from local CNG and auto-tempo owners’ associations.
The proposal has sparked anger among regular vehicle owners who pay taxes and maintain valid documents. A truck owner said lawful operators should not be treated unfairly while illegal vehicles receive penalty waivers after years of rule violations.
BRTA Motor Vehicle Inspector of Sirajganj Tajul Islam said a decision had recently been taken to begin a fresh registration process for CNG-run auto-rickshaws and auto-tempos. However, he said a lack of awareness campaigns and an unclear role of association leaders had prevented owners from coming forward.
Experts have called for a proper investigation into the long-running issue, strict enforcement against illegal vehicles and equal application of transport laws.
