Rickshaw, van, easybike workers to demonstrate tomorrow seeking licences

The Rickshaw, Van and Easybike Sramik Union has announced a sit-in programme in front of the National Press Club in Dhaka at 11am tomorrow (24 November), demanding the withdrawal of the High Court order seeking action to stop the operation of battery-run rickshaws, vans, and easybikes on the city's streets.

The union's President Abul Halim Maizbhandari made the announcement while speaking at a press briefing held at the Purana Paltan Moitree Auditorium today (23 November).

The union also threatened to continue its movement until they received assurances from the government or relevant authorities on fulfilling their demands.

Reading out a written statement, its Joint General Secretary Ariful Islam Nadim said eight to 12 lakh people in Dhaka city are at risk of losing their jobs due to the recent High Court order regarding battery-operated vehicles.

Protesting the order, drivers and workers have been staging demonstrations in the capital spontaneously, he said.

Nadim mentioned that the workers operating battery-operated rickshaws and three-wheelers are willing to pay revenue to the government. "If licences are issued through a regulatory framework, a significant amount of revenue can be generated," he added.

Their other demands include issuing licences through the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) and legal route permits.

Earlier in the day, the Rickshaw, Battery Rickshaw-Van, and Easybike Sangram Parishad held a rally in front of the National Press Club, presenting a seven-point demand aimed at resolving their challenges and securing their livelihoods.

On 19 November, the High Court ordered the authorities concerned to take action to stop operations of battery-run rickshaws in Dhaka city within three days.