Photo: Messenger
There is a growing concern over the rising number of unauthorised vehicles called leguna (a customised human hauler that is also known as tempo) on the city thoroughfares with rampant use of expired gas cylinders.
While plying their trade, these dilapidated leguna transports, spanning over 30,000 units across the capital, lack basic safety standards including the use of expired gas cylinders.
This poses an imminent risk of major accidents, with the potential for catastrophic explosions – thereby endangering passengers and bystanders alike.
Concerned individuals have called for the cessation of these vehicles before major accidents ensue.
With fire prevention efforts underway at all administrative levels – especially in view of the recent Bailey Road inferno, allowing such vehicles to continue on city roads remains highly risk.
Experts are of the view that while passengers may face inconvenience initially, they will eventually adapt to alternative transportation methods. In the broader interest of public safety, it is imperative to halt their operation.
While talking to The Daily Messenger, Mohammad Mahbub-e-Rabbani, Director of the Road Safety Department at BRTA, affirmed this stance, stating, "We have made the decision to take action. We will deploy mobile courts to address all such vehicles."
He highlighted, "In the past, we have conducted mobile courts, during which numerous unfit legunas were found dumped."
The leguna serves as the primary mode of public transportation for residents of the capital, particularly for short-distance travel. Leguna stands out as a vital means for lower and middle-class individuals to reach their destinations swiftly.
However, due to high demand and a crisis in public transportation, unscrupulous traders exploit passengers by flouting the law. Legunas lacking fitness certificates, operating without licenses or route permits, and even without proper gas cylinders, are running rampant across all routes, disregarding legal regulations.
Passengers endure significant hardships when boarding these dilapidated legunas. Frequently, the car engines stall mid-journey, resulting in passengers being stranded on the road. Instances of passengers being dropped off in the middle of their route are distressingly common.
Moreover, the deteriorating condition of the seats poses risks of injuries to passengers. The situation worsens during rainy days, with water leaking from various parts of the vehicle, leaving passengers drenched and uncomfortable. Despite being aware of the risks, passengers often find themselves compelled to board these unfit legunas due to limited alternatives.
Amidst these circumstances, the legunas are frequently overloaded, accommodating 10 to 12 passengers inside. Two individuals are compelled to occupy a single seat next to the driver, while an additional two or three passengers cling perilously to the exterior of the vehicle. Despite sporadic raids conducted to verify the validity of paperwork, there is a pervasive disregard for the suffering endured by passengers in these cramped and unsafe conditions.
The proliferation of these legunas is particularly noticeable in areas like Old Dhaka, Farmgate, Mohammadpur, Dhanmondi, Tejgaon, Rampura, Mothertek, Staff Quarters, and Uttara within the capital.
These areas are inundated with legunas that operate without the necessary fitness certifications, licenses, and route permits, blatantly flouting the law. Furthermore, the gas cylinders used in these vehicles lack expiration dates, heightening the risk of accidents occurring at any moment.
Farmgate leguna driver Sirajul Islam admitted that he is unaware of whether the gas cylinder in the vehicle has an expiration date or not. He clarified that he operates the car solely as a daily wage driver. When asked about the safety of the vehicle, he candidly admitted that it is not safe. However, he expressed a grim reality shared by many drivers: there are limited alternatives available, and no one can predict when disaster may strike.
Another individual named Arman highlighted additional concerns while traveling on the road. He noted that while the gas cylinder in his car has not exploded, he is unable to confirm whether it is correctly maintained or expired.
Ashraf Hossain, a passenger of the leguna, echoed these sentiments, expressing frustration with the numerous issues encountered during travel. He lamented the apparent lack of alternatives and the necessity to use legunas due to their speed. However, he emphasised the inherent danger posed by these vehicles
It is widely acknowledged that there are approximately 30,000 legunas operating in and around the capital city of Dhaka. Individuals engaged in this sector assert that the majority of these legunas lack legal documentation. However, they acknowledge the necessity to navigate through police and various other channels to ensure compliance.
In response to these concerns, Monibur Rahman, the Traffic Chief and Additional Commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), expressed deep concern over the matter. He affirmed that immediate action is being taken, with directives issued to every traffic division to address the issue effectively.
He emphasised, "Many areas are inaccessible to regular vehicles, but legunas are able to navigate through these areas. While we do provide concessions for the convenience of travelers, we cannot compromise on matters of safety. Swift action will be taken to address these concerns."
Messenger/Disha
