Govt appeals to stay HC order on restricting operations of battery-run rickshaws
The appeal was submitted to the Appellate Division's relevant branch today
The government has filed an appeal seeking a stay on the High Court's recent order to halt the operation of battery-run rickshaws in Dhaka.
The appeal was submitted to the Appellate Division's relevant branch today (25 November), said Deputy Attorney General Nur Muhammad Azmi.
He said the petition might be heard by the chamber judge.
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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 three days.
The order came during the hearing of a writ petition filed by Brihottor Dhaka City Corporation Pedal-rickshaw Malik Oikya Jote President Jahurul Islam Masum and Secretary Md Momin Ali.
The petition argued that battery-run rickshaws were unregulated and caused safety and environmental risks, as well as contributed to traffic congestion.
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.
Battery-run rickshaw drivers have been protesting since 21 November following the High Court order issued on 19 November. The government has yet to take any step in this regard.
On Saturday (23 November), the Rickshaw, Battery Rickshaw-Van, and Easybike Sangram Parishad at a rally issued a seven-day ultimatum for authorities concerned to finalise a guideline formulated specifically for them to operate on Dhaka streets.
Demanding a re-evaluation of the High Court order, the drivers and workers sought permission to operate following the implementation of the guideline. They also presented a seven-point charter of demands aimed at resolving their challenges and securing their livelihoods.
