ছবি: Assembly of Rickshaw, Battery-Powered Rickshaw-Van, and E-Bike Drivers’ Struggle Council. Photo: Collected
The Rickshaw, Battery-Operated Van, and E-Bike Drivers’ Struggle Council organized a protest in front of the National Press Club in Dhaka on Saturday morning (November 23), presenting a seven-point demand.
Among their key demands were the registration of battery-operated vehicles such as e-bikes and rickshaws under a regulatory framework, issuance of drivers’ licenses, and route permits. They also called for the modernization of battery-powered vehicles by addressing technical faults.
Additionally, the council demanded compensation for workers injured or killed in incidents involving battery-powered rickshaws and e-bikes during protests or accidents.
Other demands included establishing charging stations to prevent electricity theft and wastage, providing rations at subsidized "army rates," pensions, and free medical care for all workers.
The protest comes in response to a High Court directive issued on November 19, which ordered a ban on battery-operated rickshaws within three days in Dhaka city. The court also questioned the authorities’ inaction regarding the ban. Since the ruling, battery-powered rickshaw drivers have been staging demonstrations across different areas of the city.
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