Battery-operated auto-rickshaw drivers in Dhaka staged a city-wide strike on Monday, 9 November 2026, paralysing transport across several neighbourhoods and leaving thousands of commuters — including students and office-goers — stranded or forced to walk long distances. The drivers are protesting high licence fees and a government rule capping each operator at a maximum of five auto-rickshaws.

Key Developments

Operations were suspended in Dholai Khal, Rampura, Banasree, Badda, Dayaganj, Jatrabari, Mirpur, Dholai Para, and surrounding areas. Drivers who defied the strike reportedly had their vehicles vandalised by protesters who took up positions at key intersections across the city, according to the Dhaka Tribune.

A large procession gathered at South Jatrabari intersection, where drivers raised slogans over their demands. Severe traffic congestion gripped major arterials as the absence of auto-rickshaws pushed remaining commuters onto already stretched road networks.

What the Drivers Are Demanding

The striking drivers have cited three core grievances: opposition to high licence fees introduced under the government's new policy framework, the restriction on each driver operating more than five auto-rickshaws, and what they describe as ongoing police harassment — including alleged seizure and damage of vehicles. They are also demanding formal permission to operate on Dhaka's main roads.

A Recurring Pattern

This is not the first such disruption in recent months. In October, battery-operated auto-rickshaw drivers blocked roads in Mohammadpur and Hazaribagh, demanding an end to eviction drives and access to main roads, according to The Daily Star. That protest saw drivers block Tin Rastar Mor — a critical intersection linking Gabtoli Road with Mohammadpur and Basila — as well as Beribadh Road in Hazaribagh and a road near Rayerbazar. This November strike suggests the underlying disputes remain unresolved.

Impact on Commuters

Residents in affected areas including Dhanmondi, Mohammadpur, Basila, and nearby neighbourhoods struggled to reach workplaces, schools, and colleges. Many waited roadside for alternative transport, while others resorted to walking considerable distances. The disruption underscores the degree to which battery-operated auto-rickshaws have become an indispensable part of Dhaka's informal urban transit ecosystem.

What Happens Next

No immediate resolution between the drivers and authorities has been reported. If the government does not engage with the strikers' demands, further escalation — including extended road blockades — appears likely, analysts note. The situation reflects a broader tension in Dhaka between formalising a rapidly growing electric micro-mobility sector and protecting the livelihoods of its operators.