Autorickshaw drivers clash with police in Dhaka, protests continue

Autorickshaw drivers clash with police in Dhaka, protests continue, Photo: Collected

On Sunday, May 19, 2024, the Autorickshaw drivers blocked roads in the Mirpur-10 and Pallabi areas of the capital. Today, Battery-powered autorickshaw drivers have blocked the roads for the second day demanding permission to operate their vehicles. 

They started protesting around 9:45am 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 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.

Autorickshaw drivers clash with police