Wrong-way Ctg human haulers threatening lives

Around 100 three-wheeler human haulers, locally called tempo, are driving down the wrong way along a busy Chittagong city road every morning risking accidents and allegedly bribing traffic police to turn a blind eye.

On June 10, a garment worker was killed and another two passengers were injured after one of the vehicles was hit by a covered van on the road, around four kilometres in length stretching from Saltgola to the EPZ intersection.

Locals say smaller accidents were a regular phenomenon for a large number of workers pass the road during the two-hour period from 6:00am.

One worker, Rekha Begum, recently told The Daily Star, "These vehicles often push and brush against pedestrians...and move dangerously." It is worrying keeping an eye on both ways for vehicles, said another, Pizush Chakma.

A covered van driver, Mohammed Emran, said the vehicles often block the road creating a gridlock.

The vehicle drivers say they usually ply on the Barek Building to Chawkbazar intersection route, for which they have permits, but have been running on the illegal route for the past one year to make some extra cash.

Each vehicle bribes traffic police Tk 20 to 30 every day, they claimed.

Chittagong Metropolitan Police Deputy Commissioner Traffic (Port) Sujayet Islam said he was unaware of the malpractice and bribes. He assured taking immediate steps.