Chattogram Transport Leaders Demand Road Transport Act 2018 Repeal
Transport owners and workers in Chattogram formed a human chain and held a protest rally demanding repeal of the 2018 Road Transport Act, calling it a “Black Law,” and urging amendments to sections 98 and 105 along with eight-point demands.
With the slogan “I will pay my own tax, why should I pay others’ taxes”, the Chattogram Metropolitan Old Vehicle Traders Multipurpose Cooperative Society organized a large human chain program to press their eight demands. During the event, traders in this sector also voiced a strong call for repealing the 2018 “black law” on motor vehicles.
Chattogram Human Chain Demands Repeal of RT Act 2018, 8-Point Charter”
The cooperative society’s president, Mohammad Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, presided over the program at 11 AM on Monday, August 11, in front of the Chattogram Press Club.
The transport owners and workers presented the following eight demands:
- Repeal Sections 98 and 105 of the Road Transport Act 2018.
- Suspend the increased income tax.
- Suspend the Economic Life notification.
- Grant vehicle fitness certificates in Chattogram and hill districts based on local realities instead of Dhaka standards.
- Formulate a modern, updated policy for the transport sector.
- Ensure fair wages and housing facilities for workers.
- Take effective measures to reduce road accidents.
- End harassment of transport workers.
Chattogram Transport Owners, Workers Demand Repeal of Road Transport Act 2018
The transport owners and workers warned that they would launch a tougher movement if their demands were not met. Speakers at the event also raised additional issues, saying:
- In the case of ownership transfer for old vehicles, if the seller is sick, arrangements should be made for verification via video call or through a commission.
- Reduce the ownership transfer fee for old vehicles.
- Stop harassment over digital number plates.
- Repeal the unreasonable 150% income tax for owners with more than one vehicle.
Speakers included Mohammad Ali, Amanat Ullah, Mohammad Shahidul Islam, Mohammad Ershadul Karim, Mohammad Wahidur Rahman, Mohammad Monir Hossain, Mohammad Saiful Islam Raju, Mohammad Jasim, and Mohammad Shahadat Hossain Jony.
Others present were Md. Akkas, Hashem, Mehevis Alam Shawon, Mohammad Alamgir Hossain, Shibu Das, Mohammad Ilias, Mohammad Yasin, Mohammad Isa Khan, and Mohammad Imran, among others.
