The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has taken a strict stance against autorickshaw movement on the capital's main roads.
On Tuesday, traffic police were seen taking action against autorickshaws across Dhaka.
A traffic sergeant on duty in Dhanmondi said that autorickshaws entering main roads contribute to congestion and disrupt traffic flow.
The sergeant was seen blocking autorickshaws passing through the Sat Masjid Road’s Abahani field section.
"We informed garage owners and rickshaw pullers several days prior to the enforcement," said the sergeant.
"We are not detaining individuals with physical disabilities. However, we are stopping those without disabilities and holding them for an hour. If anyone comes onto the main roads despite knowing about these measures, they will be detained," he added.
Following the enforcement, the number of autorickshaws on the main roads dropped significantly.
Since autorickshaws are not registered with any official authority and lack the necessary documentation, police cannot impose monetary fines for violations.
Khondokar Nazmul Hasan, additional commissioner of DMP Traffic, said: “Slow vehicles like autorickshaws are meant to stay in the alleys. When they enter the main roads, they disrupt the flow of faster vehicles. To make Dhaka’s traffic more manageable, we need to keep autorickshaws off the main roads and restrict pedal rickshaws to areas where they are allowed.”
He urged cooperation from all stakeholders, including garage owners, rickshaw pullers, passengers, and Dhaka residents, to help improve traffic conditions.
He also requested not to jaywalk and bus drivers only to stop at the allotted location to pick up and drop off passengers.
