Auto-rickshaw drivers blocked the Dhaka-Aricha highway in Savar for about one and a half hours on Saturday, demanding the withdrawal of fines and removal of restriction on their movement.
Members of the Auto-rickshaw Drivers Association started the protest around 11 am by placing their vehicles on the road in Pakiza area, bringing traffic on the Dhaka-bound lane to a standstill and causing long tailbacks.
The association alleged that money was being illegally collected from moving auto-rickshaws and protested against recent fines imposed for violating traffic rules.
Locals said slow-moving auto-rickshaws have long been operating on Dhaka-Aricha highway despite restrictions, which has led to a rise in accidents.
Following complaints from locals, Savar Highway Police began enforcing rules and fined drivers Tk 26 each for violations.
Angered by the action, the drivers staged the road blockade to press their demands.
Police from Savar Model Police Station reached the spot around 12:30 pm and called the drivers for talks.
The protesters then withdrew, restoring traffic movement.
Arman Ali, Officer-in-Charge of Savar Model Police Station, said the situation was brought under control and traffic on the highway is now normal.
