The High Court (HC) on Tuesday directed the authorities concerned of the government to ban the battery-run rickshaws in Dhaka metropolitan area within three working days in a bid to reduce road accidents.
The HC bench comprising Justice Fatema Najib and Justice Mahmudur Razi came up with the order following a writ petition filed by the Greater Dhaka City Corporation Rickshaw Owners Unity Alliance, challenging the authorities' inaction in stopping the unlicensed battery-run rickshaws in the city.
The President and General Secretary of the Dhaka City Corporation Rickshaw Owners Unity Alliance, Zahirul Islam Masum and Momin Ali, respectively, filed the writ petition seeking immediate action in this regard.
According to the Dhaka Auto Rickshaw Workers Union, there are at least 8 lakh battery-run rickshaws currently plying on the roads. These illegal vehicles are roaming on the main roads even though they are not allowed to do so. In the last two months, law enforcement agencies have taken action against lakhs of battery powered rickshaws.
The HC bench also issued a rule asking the authorities to explain why their failure to halt the operation of these rickshaws should not be declared illegal.
Petitioner's lawyer Shanjid Siddique told the court that these rickshaws are operating in Dhaka without valid licences. He argued that the vehicles, which travel at high speed in several areas of the capital, are causing accidents and public distress.
He also pointed out that the battery-operated rickshaws consume a significant amount of electricity to charge their batteries, contributing to the ongoing power shortages in the country.
Siddique further noted that the Dhaka city corporations do not have the authority to issue licences for the operation of these vehicles.
The lawyer informed the court that the High Court had already banned the plying of mechanised and battery-run rickshaws nationwide in July 2014, due to their lack of proper licences.
