Battery-run rickshaw drivers cripple rush hour traffic to protest ban

Battery-powered rickshaw drivers blocked roads

Dhaka, Nov 21 - 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.

On Tuesday, the High Court  ordered to halt  plying of battery-run rickshaws in Dhaka city within three days.

Md Russel, officer-in-charge of Banani Police Station, said the rickshaw pullers took to the streets around 9 am at Mohakhali intersection, halting vehicular movement.

Later, they also blocked the rail crossing at Mohakhali, causing immense sufferings to the commuters.

Protesting the HC order, the drivers of battery-run auto-rickshaw staged demonstrations at Mohakhali, Mirpur, Shewrapara and Kazipara areas, halting vehicular movement.

Tania, assistant commissioner of Pallabi zone, said the drivers of battery-run rickshaws brought out processions at Mirpur-10, Kazipara and Shewrapara areas protesting the HC ban.

Later, they gathered at Mirpur-10 intersection area and Rokeya Sharani and put up barricade on the roads.

People of these areas are experiencing severe traffic congestion following the blockade.

Nearly, 10 lakh rickshaws are moving in Dhaka city and a large portion of which is battery-powered. Many old pedal-driven rickshaws are being fitted with batteries to make them mechanical.-UNB