Uber drivers in Bangladesh on strike

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Bangla Tribune Report
Published : 12:00, Oct 14, 2019 | Updated : 14:29, Oct 14, 2019

Uber`s logo is displayed on a mobile phone in London, Britain, Sept 14, 2018. REUTERS/File PhotoUber drivers in Bangladesh have gone on a strike protesting against what they say “irregularities”.
Bangladesh Ridesharing Drivers Association called the 24-hour strike from Sunday (Oct 13) midnight to press home their eight-point demand.
“Despite repeated calls, Uber authorities have not responded to our demands,”, the association’s General Secretary Kaiyum Ahmed Shubho told Bangla Tribune.
The organisations have been raising the demands for six months, according to him.
The demands are:
>> Fixing fare per kilometre and minute from start to end of every trip.
>> Reducing Uber’s commission to 12 percent from 25 percent.
>> Raising fare due to a hike in gas prices.
>> Arranging trips near destinations under the ‘Destination’ option in the app.
>> Ensuring security of the drivers. Arranging compensation if passengers cause damage to vehicles.
>> Taking no action against the drivers without investigating passenger complaints.
>> Making it compulsory for passengers to provide own image in their Uber accounts.
>> Arranging initial training for passengers on location. Putting a ceiling of two kilometres on maximum distance between the drivers and passengers.
No comment from Uber was immediately available. Uber Bangladesh Country Lead Quazi Zulquarnain could not be reached on his phone.
“We regret the disruption caused to the rider and driver-partner community, due to a small group of individuals," an Uber spokesperson said. "We remain committed to serving the city and ensuring that our driver partners continue to access a stable income, while giving riders a convenient, reliable option to get around Dhaka. We have processes in place for our driver-partners to address concerns and issues through our Partner Sheba Kendras and in-App feedback."
Launched in 2016, Uber gained popularity fast in Dhaka, the city of traffic congestions and transport chaos.
Pathao, OBHAI, Pickme, SAM, Shohoz and some other ridesharing firms are also operating in Bangladesh.

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