Salam says, “The government remains supportive of keeping rickshaws in Dhaka but certain groups create disorder in the name of protests whenever initiatives are taken regarding motorised vehicles.”
Dhaka South City Corporation logo. Photo: Collected
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Dhaka South City Corporation logo. Photo: Collected
The Dhaka South City Corporation is set to launch a drive to remove illegal battery-powered rickshaws in an effort to ease traffic congestion in the capital, Dhaka South Administrator Md Abdus Salam said today (28 April).
He made the remarks while speaking at a consultation meeting with leaders of the Bangladesh Rickshaw-Van and Battery-Operated Rickshaw-Van Owners Federation at Nagar Bhaban in Dhaka.
The meeting focused on key issues including the legality, regulation, and livelihoods of rickshaw drivers.
Salam said, “The government remains supportive of keeping rickshaws in Dhaka but certain groups create disorder in the name of protests whenever initiatives are taken regarding motorised vehicles.”
He urged rickshaw owners and drivers to take the lead in protecting their rights calling on to speak out against those coming from outside areas to operate rickshaws illegally.
The administrator added that administrative measures alone would not solve the problem.
“Instead, rickshaw owners and drivers must organise themselves and present their demands collectively,” he said.
He even suggested holding rallies, such as in front of the National Press Club, to build public support if necessary.
On modernisation of rickshaws, Salam said future plans include introducing gears and improving safety standards in rickshaws, as the current system carries a high risk of accidents.
Meanwhile, representatives of rickshaw owners and drivers stated that approval is being sought for around 212,000 rickshaws. They claimed that the number of authorised rickshaws has increased over time, leading to disorder, and added that nearly 12 lakh auto-rickshaws operating in the city have worsened congestion.
They demanded renewal of licences for legal rickshaws and the removal of illegal ones, pledging full cooperation with authorities. They also called for priority to be given to drivers who have long been working in Dhaka.
They urged swift and effective decisions to protect the livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of people involved in the sector.
Both sides expressed optimism that a sustainable solution could be reached through continued dialogue.
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