ছবি: "Army Chases Away Rickshaw Drivers. Photo: Collected"
Dhaka witnessed massive protests on Thursday (November 21) as electric rickshaw drivers took to the streets, blocking roads in Mirpur, Mohakhali, and other key areas following a High Court directive to halt electric rickshaw operations in the city. The protests caused severe traffic congestion, prompting the deployment of the army to restore order.
Around noon, drivers staged demonstrations at Mohakhali, obstructing both road and railways. When authorities urged them to vacate the areas, some protesters resorted to pelting stones at police. In response, army personnel were deployed, forcing the protesters to disperse. Despite this, many regrouped near the rail gate area, continuing to voice their frustrations.
Similar scenes unfolded in Mirpur-10, where the army had to chase away protesting rickshaw drivers blocking roads. These protests disrupted traffic in multiple areas, including Agargaon, Kalyanpur, Gabtoli, Mohammadpur, Pallabi, and Demra.
The protests began earlier this week after the High Court, on Tuesday (November 19), ordered the cessation of electric rickshaw operations within three days. The court, led by Justice Fatema Najib and Justice Mahmudur Raji, also questioned the inaction of authorities in curbing illegal electric rickshaw use, issuing a rule to justify the lack of enforcement.
An estimated 800,000 electric rickshaws operate illegally in Dhaka, flouting regulations that restrict them from entering main roads. Despite crackdowns over the past two months that saw over 100,000 vehicles seized, these rickshaws remain a common sight. The Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges initially announced a ban on May 15 but later permitted their limited use on side streets, as per a directive by then-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. However, compliance has been inconsistent.
Tensions escalated after the government transitioned in August. The Dhaka Auto Rickshaw Workers’ Union claimed that at least 800,000 electric rickshaws are still active. In September and October, authorities seized and auctioned thousands of vehicles, but the measures failed to deter drivers, leading to the current wave of protests.
The situation remains tense, with ongoing negotiations and enforcement efforts attempting to strike a balance between regulating traffic safety and addressing the livelihoods of thousands of rickshaw drivers.
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