Rickshaw pullers’ protest goes on

Thousands of rickshaw pullers and rickshaw garage owners staged a protest in the capital’s Mugda area on Monday, a day after a ban on rickshaws on three major city routes came into effect.

The demonstration was peaceful, with rickshaw pullers demanding that the ban be lifted. 

Despite the ban, rickshaws were seen on those routes.  

Md Khalil, owner of a rickshaw garage in Mugda, said the ban has gravely affected the livelihoods of rickshaw pullers as well as garage owners. 

“We depend on rickshaw for our livelihood. Now because of the ban, we are unable to work and make money,” he said. 

"We have no other sources of income. That is why we are out here to protest. We demand that the ban be lifted as soon as possible. Otherwise, we will go for tougher, long-term actions," added Khalil. 

In an effort to ease the chaotic traffic situation in the capital, the two city corporations took the decision to ban rickshaws on three busy routes. 

The routes are from Gabtoli to Azimpur via Asad Gate, from Science Lab intersection to Shahbagh via Bata intersection, and from Kuril to Sayedabad bus terminal via Badda, Rampura and Khilgaon.

Assistant Commissioner of police (Sabujbagh zone) Rashed Hasan told the Business Standard protesters would not be allowed to engage in vandalism. 

“If the protest disrupts traffic, we will take necessary action against the demonstrators. We will take action in accordance with the law,” he added.