A group of auto-rickshaw drivers with disabilities have demanded the banning of lead-acid batteries and pedal-driven rickshaws.
They also requested that battery-operated auto-rickshaws not be discontinued until proper employment opportunities or rehabilitation measures are ensured.
Additionally, they called for an end to harassment from the authorities and presented a 10-point demand.
The demands were raised on Tuesday at a rally organized by the Jagoron Protibondhi Kallyan Sangstha in front of the National Press Club, marking the 26th Disability Day 2024.
At the rally, speakers highlighted that 16% of Bangladesh's population faces some form of disability, equating to nearly 25 million people. Many of these individuals, due to severe disabilities, struggle to earn a livelihood, with a lack of education and institutional employment leaving many unemployed.
Regarding the ban on pedal rickshaws, Sohel Rana, president of the Jagoron Protibondhi Kallyan Sangstha, said: “Discontinuing auto-rickshaws will cause problems for disabled and other auto drivers. Many elderly individuals also rely on rickshaw pulling. The existence of pedal rickshaws has divided rickshaw drivers into two groups. Considering everyone’s interests, we have proposed banning pedal rickshaws and keeping battery-operated ones.”
