Staff Correspondent, Dhaka
The Rickshaw, Battery-Powered Rickshaw-Van, and Easy Bike Sangram Parishad staged a demonstration in front of the National Press Club on Saturday, presenting a seven-point demand aimed at resolving their challenges and securing their livelihoods.
Leaders and activists of the parishad gathered during the demonstrations, urging the government to take immediate steps to meet their demands.
Their demands include:
Registration and Licensing: The Parishad called for the registration of electric bikes, rickshaws, and other battery-operated vehicles under existing regulatory frameworks, along with licences and route permits for drivers.
Modernisation of Vehicles: They emphasised the need to address technical faults in battery-powered vehicles and ensure their modernisation to improve efficiency and safety.
Compensation for Victims: The Parishad demanded adequate compensation for all workers who have been injured or killed during mass uprisings involving students, workers, and the general public.
Establishment of Charging Stations: To prevent electricity theft and wastage, they urged the government to set up dedicated charging stations across the country.
Worker Benefits: They advocated for rationing at army rates, pension schemes, and free healthcare facilities for all workers.
The demonstrators argued that battery-powered vehicles play a vital role in ensuring affordable and sustainable transportation for millions.
The parishad leaders warned of further protests if their demands are not met immediately.
Earlier on Friday afternoon, the battery-operated rickshaw drivers blocked the road and railway in Jurain. Two commuter trains named Narayanganj and Nakshikantha got stuck in it.
Apart from this, law enforcement forces chased the protestors.
The protesters said that the order given by the High Court to ban autorickshaws should be withdrawn. As long as autorickshaws are not allowed to ply, the program will continue.
On November 19, the High Court bench of Justice Fatema Najib and Justice Mahmudur Razi ordered the suspension of battery-powered rickshaws in the Dhaka metropolitan area within three days.
At the same time, the court also issued a rule to find out why not taking action in this regard will not be declared illegal.
Battery-powered rickshaw drivers have been protesting in different areas of the capital since the day after the High Court's order.
