Dhaka Traffic Disrupted as Battery-Operated Rickshaw Drivers Protest Ban
Protests by Battery-Operated Rickshaw Drivers in Dhaka Cause Severe Public Inconvenience
Battery-operated rickshaw drivers have taken to the streets in various areas of Dhaka, including Agargaon, Mohakhali, Gabtoli, Mohammadpur, and Demra, since Thursday morning. Their protests have nearly paralyzed traffic on major roads in these areas, causing significant hardship for commuters, including schoolchildren and office-goers.
The drivers began protesting early in the morning against the decision to ban battery-operated rickshaws and regular police crackdowns. They claim that the decision directly impacts their livelihood, leaving them in financial uncertainty.
According to Md. Ziaur Rahman, Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) of Traffic-Gulshan Division, around 1,000 drivers gathered on the Mohakhali road after 9:30 a.m. However, the protestors did not bring their rickshaws; they are demonstrating on foot. While the protests are peaceful, road blockades have disrupted traffic. Police are attempting to persuade the protestors to clear the roads.
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The High Court has ordered a ban or restriction on the operation of battery-operated rickshaws in Dhaka’s metropolitan areas within three days. Following this directive issued on November 19, rickshaw drivers have been protesting, including demonstrations in Jatrabari and Doyaganj, where police took strict measures to prevent further disruptions.
On Wednesday, a similar protest took place in Agargaon, where drivers gathered at the intersection in front of the Election Commission building. The protest lasted about 30 minutes, after which a procession of over 100 rickshaws moved along Mirpur Road, passing by the Agargaon Metro Rail Station and reaching Shyamoli.
Currently, approximately 1.3 million rickshaws operate in Dhaka, a significant portion of which are battery-operated. Many traditional pedal rickshaws have been modified with batteries. While these rickshaws predominantly operate in narrow lanes, they also frequently encroach on main roads.
