Take battery-run rickshaws off city roads in 3 days

The High Court yesterday directed the government authorities concerned to take necessary steps to stop the plying of battery-run rickshaws and auto-rickshaws on the capital's streets within three days, aiming to reduce road accidents.

It also issued a rule asking the authorities to explain why their failure to halt the operation of these vehicles should not be declared illegal.

The directive was issued by the bench of Justice Fatema Najib and Justice Sikder Mahmudur Razi, following a writ petition filed by Greater Dhaka City Corporation Rickshaw Owners Unity Alliance.

The petition challenged the authorities' lack of action in preventing unlicensed battery-run rickshaws from operating in the city.

The petitioner's lawyer, Shanjid Siddique, informed the court that these rickshaws and auto-rickshaws were running without valid licences, causing accidents due to their high speeds in various areas of the capital.

He also highlighted that they were straining the national power supply by consuming excessive electricity to charge their batteries.

Shanjid further pointed out that the Dhaka city corporations do not have the authority to issue operating licences for these vehicles.

He informed the court that in July 2014, the HC banned the operation of unlicensed mechanised and battery-run rickshaws nationwide. However, as this directive had not been enforced, president and general secretary of the rickshaw owners unity alliance, Zahirul Islam Masum and Momin Ali, filed the petition for immediate intervention.

On May 15 this year, then road transport and bridges minister Obaidul Quader asked the authorities concerned to take steps to stop battery-run rickshaws from plying the city roads.

After the ban came into effect, auto-rickshaw drivers on May 18 took to the streets. They demonstrated in the Mirpur-10, Pallabi, and Agargaon areas, and also clashed with police. At least 20 people were reportedly injured.

The following day, drivers staged protests in Rampura, Badda, Kuril, and Khilkhet areas.

Considering it, then prime minister Sheikh Hasina on May 19 instructed the authorities to cancel the decision on banning battery-run auto-rickshaws.

However, the ban on battery-run auto-rickshaws on 22 highways remainedin force as per an earlier decision.