Battery-run rickshaw drivers’ protests bring Dhaka traffic to a standstill

Drivers of banned battery-run rickshaw have once again taken to several streets of Dhaka to press home their 11-point demand, including obtaining licences from the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) to operate on city streets.

Commuters, particularly those travelling for emergencies, faced severe difficulties reaching their destinations as protesters blocked several roads, including those near the Jatiya Press Club (JPC), Jatrabari, Beribadh, and Tin Raster Morh.

According to UNB reporters, hundreds of drivers gathered at Beribadh, one of Dhaka’s entry points, this morning and marched towards the JPC in a procession.

Besides, drivers from other parts of Dhaka converged at the JPC and staged a sit-in programme to press their demands.

The blockade in front of the JPC caused numerous vehicles to remain stranded, leading to immense suffering for commuters.

The protesters declared they would continue their movement until their demands are met, which include obtaining licences from the BRTA, recognition of their vehicles as public transport, and the release of those arrested so far.

Officer-in-charge of Mohammadpur Police Station Ali Iftekhar Hasan said that the drivers blockaded the roads without valid reasons on Sunday.

An increased number of police personnel have been deployed to prevent any untoward incidents, he said, alleging that the protesters were members of the outgoing party (Awami League). “We are trying to identify them,” he added.

Earlier, on Thursday, several hundred autorickshaw drivers blockaded different streets in Dhaka, causing immense suffering for city dwellers.

That afternoon, the protesters issued a two-day ultimatum for their demands to be met, which expired on Saturday. As per their prior announcement, the protesters returned to the streets today.

Earlier, a High Court order banned auto rickshaws from operating on city streets, citing public safety concerns.