Govt to appeal against HC order on halting battery-run rickshaw operations
The appeal will seek a rational order to prevent low-income people from suffering undue hardship, says the Attorney General’s Office
The Attorney General's Office has decided to appeal against last week's High Court (HC) order that asked authorities concerned to stop the operation of battery-powered rickshaws on the streets of the Dhaka metropolitan area within three days.
"Preparation for the appeal is underway. The appeal will request a stay on the High Court order. A rational order will also be sought to prevent low-income people from suffering undue hardship," Deputy Attorney General Nur Muhammad Azmi told the media this morning (24 November).
On 19 November, the High Court ordered authorities concerned to stop the operation of battery-powered rickshaws on the streets of the Dhaka metropolitan area within the next three days.
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The bench of Justice Fatima Najib and Justice Sikder Mahmudur Razi issued this order after hearing a writ petition filed by Brihottor Dhaka City Corporation Pedal-rickshaw Malik Oikya Jote President Jahurul Islam Masum and Secretary Md Momin Ali.
The court also issued a rule asking why the inaction of the petition's respondents in stopping the operation of the battery-powered rickshaws should not be declared illegal.
Barristers Sanjid Siddique and Tahsina Tasnim Siddique represented the petitioners during the hearing.
Sources at Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) said battery-powered rickshaws, vans, and similar three-wheelers have been deteriorating the road safety situation in Dhaka city for a while now.
The High Court's order came after petitioners sought action in this regard, according to media reports.
Approximately 12 lakh rickshaws currently operate across the capital, with a significant portion being battery-powered. Additionally, many old pedal-rickshaws are being converted into motorised three-wheelers by installing batteries.
