Rickshaws
V. Everill
A. Harman, On e-mail
We have just returned from a two-week visit to Dhaka. We have many outstanding memories of the city. One thing in particular is the number of rickshaws and their hard working drivers- such an efficient and economical way of travel, with no pollution and no carbon footprint (so much in the news today)However, we were most alarmed on two occasions to see the police physically attack the riders and attempt to burst the tyres of the rickshaws when there was no apparent provocation. This was in the Gulshan area. On making enquiries we were informed that the police were in fact attempting to restrict the movement of rickshaws. In our view this seems a very harsh way to treat what must be the greatest source of employment in the city. It is threatening the livelihoods of hundreds of hard working people. We found the rickshaw drivers to be very efficient, reliable and polite-and offer a very valuable and attractive service to tourists and local people alike. They play a very important role in making the city of Dhaka a colourful and attractive place to visit.
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