United News of Bangladesh

The National Committee to Protect Shipping, Roads and Railways (NCPSRR) on Sunday called for controlling battery-run rickshaw movement across the country's large cities including the capital Dhaka, to avoid road accidents. The organisation also urged the authorities to determine the quality of the rickshaws and take initiatives for short-term training to the drivers. NCPSRR president Mohammad Shahid Mia and its general secretary Ashis Kumar Dey made the call in a statement on Sunday. Banned autorickshaw drivers’ protests bring Dhaka traffic to a standstill According to the statement of the civic organisation sent to the media, the movement of three-wheeled non-mechanised vehicles like battery-powered rickshaws on highways and long-distance roads is prohibited and extremely dangerous. Despite this, approximately 35-40 lakh battery operated rickshaws are plying across the country including Dhaka. Mentioning that these small vehicle drivers have no training, the statement said, they drive recklessly as they have no idea about traffic laws. As minor accidents are happening every day in different places, it is also causing serious disruption in the movement of pedestrians and road crossings. The statement said, despite being illegal and risky, battery-run rickshaws cannot be banned now. Because, at least 1.5 crore people depend directly and indirectly on it. 78 battery-run autorickshaws seized during DNCC drive at Mirpur Therefore, the movement of battery-powered rickshaws on the main roads of the large cities should be strictly controlled, the drivers should be given immediate short-term training and the infrastructure of such rickshaws should be strongly improved to avoid accidents, the leaders said.

The Appellate Division on Monday issued a one- month status quo on the High court order banning the movement of battery-run rickshaws on roads in Dhaka. Chamber Judge of the Appellate Division Md Rezaul Haq passed the order following a petition filed by the state. The court also ordered disposing of the rule issued by the HC in this regard. Attorney General Md Asaduzzaman, who stood for the petition, said following the order now there is no bar on plying of battery-run rickshaws in Dhaka. Govt files petition seeking stay on HC order banning battery-run rickshaws On November 20, the High Court ordered the relevant government authorities to take necessary steps within three days to halt the operation of battery-powered rickshaws in Dhaka, citing safety concerns and the need to reduce road accidents. The court also issued a rule asking the authorities to explain why their failure to stop these vehicles should not be deemed illegal. The directive came in response to a writ petition filed by the Dhaka City Corporation Rickshaw Owners' Unity Alliance.

The drivers of battery-powered rickshaws blocked roads in different parts of the capital on Thursday morning, protesting a ban on their movement in city streets. The roads include Mohakhali, Basila Dhaka Uddyan, Mirpur-10, Mirpur-12, Kazipara, Shewrapara and Mirpur Golchattar and Agargaon areas of the capital. Commuters have been experiencing a gridlock in different parts of the capital following the blockade programme. JU student dies in rickshaw accident, protests erupt for justice Besides, the rail communication between Dhaka and other parts of the country got snapped as the protesting drivers blocked the rail tracks in Mohakhali area at the same time, causing immense sufferings to travellers.