Allegations of organized attacks on app-based ride-sharing services have once again surfaced in the capital. Unauthorized groups are reportedly coordinating attacks, vandalism, and attempts to lock down ride-sharing company offices. The affected companies allege that drivers who were 'delisted' (banned) due to passenger harassment and fraud are the main instigators of this anarchy. A case regarding these incidents was filed at Pallabi Police Station on December 7.
On December 3, 2025, an incident involving intimidation and a forced attempt to lock the premises occurred at the Pathao Limited office in Mirpur. Following this, a case (Case No. 9) was filed at Pallabi Police Station on December 7 under Sections 143/447/506 of the Penal Code of 1860. The First Information Report (FIR) names 12 individuals, including Md. Asaduzzaman (Asad Aziz), Kawsar Ahmed (Kawsar Musulli), and Md. Abdus Sattar Liton, along with 50-60 unidentified persons as accused.
The complaint states that the accused illegally trespassed into the office, verbally abused the staff, threatened them with physical assault, and attempted to force them out to lock the premises. This created panic among the employees and disrupted operations.
According to relevant sources and case documents, several unregistered organizations have been identified as being behind this chaos. These include: Bachao Ride Porisheba Oikya Parishad Union, App-Based Transport Union (ATU), Ride-Sharing Drivers Union (RSDU), and Bangladesh Ride Service Union (BRDU).
It is alleged that these organizations lack legal registration or an authorized structure; they primarily operate through Facebook groups and Messenger. Internal sources from the app companies indicate that a significant portion of these groups' members consists of drivers who were previously 'delisted' or banned due to fare fraud, safety violations, and breaching app terms and conditions. They have now organized to besiege offices and carry out attacks to press for unreasonable demands.
Instability in the ride-sharing sector is not new. Previously, on September 7, 2024, vandalism was carried out at various Uber and Pathao offices. Subsequently, on September 17 of the same year, ride-sharing company representatives were held hostage at the BRTA headquarters, a situation that was eventually resolved through army intervention.
The affected institutions allege that despite repeated requests, the BRTA has not taken effective legal action against these unauthorized groups. Stakeholders believe that criminals are taking advantage of the regulatory body's silence to reorganize and create anarchy in the same manner this year.
Concerns have arisen regarding the stability of the ride-sharing sector due to this violence and hostage-like situation persisting for two consecutive years. Market analysts believe this is a planned attempt to destabilize the industry. Stakeholders have demanded a proper investigation and punishment for the culprits to ensure the safety of general riders and passengers and to restore order to the sector.
