Gridlock in Rampura as autorickshaw drivers continue protest

Massive gridlocks have been reported in the capital’s Rampura as battery-powered autorickshaw drivers have blocked the roads for the second day demanding permission to operate their vehicles. 

They started protesting around 9:45 am near Better Life Hospital on Monday, said Rampura police station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Md Moshiur Rahman. 

Additional police have been deployed in the area to bring the situation under control, the OC added. 

On Sunday, the drivers blocked roads in the Mirpur-10 and Pallabi areas of the capital.

At one point, the police clashed with the rickshaw drivers in Kalshi, and the protesters set fire to a police box.

In the afternoon in Mirpur 10, there were chases and counter-chases between the protesters and the police with brick-hurling. One person was shot during the clash.

No more battery-operated rickshaws

Battery or motorized rickshaws and vans will no longer be allowed to operate in Dhaka city. Additionally, there is an order to stop the movement of faded, dilapidated, and noisy vehicles.

The Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) issued this directive in a circular on Saturday. BRTA Deputy Director (Enforcement) Hemayet Uddin confirmed the notification on Sunday.

On May 15, Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader directed that battery-operated rickshaws be banned in the capital.

He issued this order during a Road Transport Advisory Council meeting at the BRTA office in Banani.

The minister stated that no battery-operated rickshaws can be operated in Dhaka. He emphasized that this is not just a ban; it must be ensured that these vehicles do not continue to operate. Additionally, rickshaws and easy bikes have been banned on 22 highways, and this ban must be implemented.