Battery rickshaw drivers and owners are demanding a solution within 7 days. The High Court has ordered the suspension of battery-operated rickshaws in the Dhaka metropolitan area in response to a writ suit filed by the Pedal Rickshaw Association.
Battery rickshaw drivers… This order was made on November 19 by the High Court bench consisting of Justices Fatema Nazib and Mahmoodur Razzaq. In the meantime, the Appellate Division decided in April 2022 that three-wheelers powered by batteries would not be permitted on public roads. Because of this, it is now considered acceptable for these vehicles to drive on routes other than highways.
The “Rickshaw, Battery Rickshaw-Van and Easybike Drivers’ Struggle Council” held a demonstration and rally in front of the National Press Club on Saturday, November 23. Battery rickshaw drivers….
Khalekuzzaman Lipon, the organization’s convenor, said at the rally that the court’s order needs to be reexamined and that rules for granting licenses and route permits need to be settled within seven days. If not, the group will demonstrate in support of the battery-operated rickshaw drivers in Dhaka on November 30 in each of the nation’s 64 districts.
“A Supreme Court decision prohibiting battery-operated autorickshaws from operating on highways remains in effect,” he stated. So, how did the High Court rule against rickshaws that were powered by batteries? The High Court’s decision is inherently void in light of the Supreme Court’s decision. In addition, we received a letter from the BRTA on July 6 indicating that our demands are being addressed rationally. We learned that the guidelines had been finalized on October 24. After the pedal rickshaw drivers’ association filed a writ petition, we lost hope. You can’t kick us in the stomach to file a writ.
“Create a policy, issue licenses, register, and provide route permits,” he added, addressing the government. The question of safety will inevitably come up when it comes to licenses and route permissions. As a result, complete the policy in seven days. Operating on highways is not something we want to do. Offer a workaround. We have not yet organized nationwide and are demonstrating patiently. Thirty million people rely on around 60 lakh battery-powered rickshaws for their livelihoods. Thus, exercise caution. In view of the Supreme Court’s decision, eliminate bureaucratic obstacles right away and arrange for license issuance.” Battery rickshaw drivers….
Battery-operated rickshaw drivers demonstrated on Thursday by blocking roads and railways in Dhaka’s Mohakhali, Mirpur, Malibagh, Mohammadpur, Gabtali, Agargaon, Nakhalpara, Rampura, and Khilgaon neighborhoods after a court recently ordered the closure of pedal-powered rickshaws. Most recently, rickshaw drivers clashed with police during a protest on Friday in Jorain, Dhaka, when they obstructed roads and railways.
Battery rickshaw drivers
