The indispensable rickshaw

Rickshaws continue to be banned on so-called VIP roads. Have traffic jams eased or ceased? Are the ex-rickshaw users happy? Are rickshaw pullers and their families well-fed? Are traffic cops' duties easier? Do motorized transport get free access on rickshaw free roads? The answer to all is a resounding no!
Let us see how those dependent on rickshaws fare because of this irresponsible, dubious, double-faced and damaging decision of the traffic authorities.
1. In these days of rampant inflation and high prices of essentials, earnings of rickshaw pullers have nose-dived. Are traffic bosses proud when the rickshaw pullers and their families often have to go without a meal as a consequence?
2. At least 25% of Dhaka's population are closely connected to rickshaws on a daily basis as pullers, makers, repairers, users and their families i.e. 25-30 lakh people.
3. What right do the authorities have to restrict the livelihood and mobility of so many people for the illusory 'convenience' of a few?
4. Bicycles, school children's vans (a veritable death trap) and garbage vans are allowed on VIP roads as are cycle goods vans (may be by some palm greasing) but not rickshaws carrying the old, sick, disabled, women & children, goods etc.
5. Traffic cops are in a quandary as they have to face the wrath of an angry populace who find themselves suddenly ejected from the rickshaw in the cold, heat or rain. Some wave me on in sympathy, others lower their eyes in shame for grounding a 75 year old, but a few take sadistic pleasure in forcefully enforcing these orders.
6. Who is responsible for injuries sustained or deaths resulting from being forced to walk on footpath-less roads and crossing it in the path of racing cars? I could go on and on.
In the meantime, huge gas-guzzling monsters race about empty or half empty with blaring horns and after dusk with blinding lights. Or they remain parked with impunity on roads and footpaths with fawning cops guarding them while puncturing rickshaw tyres.
This is the 10th letter I have written on the subject in the last six months without any response. Till there is an adequate alternative, the rickshaw is indispensable for the vast majority of Dhakaites to go about their business. There is a simple solution to Dhaka's traffic problem and both slow and fast vehicles can co-exist easily. If the authorities have run out of ideas and do not have the will to enforce existing laws, then they should gracefully retire. They can also contact me for the solution.