Hundreds of battery-run autorickshaw drivers have threatened to hold a nationwide protest on May 27 if the government does meet their seven-point demand.
The leaders of the Rickshaw, Battery Rickshaw, Van and Easy Bike Sangram Parishad held a protest rally in front of the National Press Club on Monday and placed their demands.
The demands include the removal of the ban on three-wheelers, the registration of battery-run vehicles, and route permits and licenses.
Dhaka-unit Rickshaw, Battery Rickshaw, Van and Easy Bike Sangram Parishad Vice President Jalal Ahmed addressed the rally.
The leaders said these vehicles only ply the alleys of the metropolis as there are no public transport options for passengers.
Gridlock in Rampura as autorickshaw drivers continue protestThey also quoted a survey that said 60% of the people in Dhaka travel by these autorickshaws. Private vehicles occupy about 80% of the roads in the capital.
They urged authorities to clarify their stance on the issue.
Earlier in the morning, massive gridlocks were reported in the capital’s Rampura as battery-powered autorickshaw drivers blocked the roads for the second day demanding permission to operate their vehicles.
They started protesting around 9:45am near Better Life Hospital on Monday, said Rampura police station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Md Moshiur Rahman.
Additional police have been deployed in the area to bring the situation under control, the OC added.
No more battery-operated rickshaws
Battery or motorized rickshaws and vans will no longer be allowed to operate in Dhaka city. Additionally, there is an order to stop the movement of faded, dilapidated, and noisy vehicles.
The Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) issued this directive in a circular on Saturday. BRTA Deputy Director (Enforcement) Hemayet Uddin confirmed the notification on Sunday.
Autorickshaw protests: All you need to knowOn May 15, Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader directed that battery-operated rickshaws be banned in the capital. He issued this order during a Road Transport Advisory Council meeting at the BRTA office in Banani.
The minister stated that no battery-operated rickshaws can be operated in Dhaka. He emphasized that this is not just a ban; it must be ensured that these vehicles do not continue to operate. Additionally, rickshaws and easy bikes have been banned on 22 highways, and this ban must be implemented.
