Battery-operated auto-rickshaw drivers demonstrations at Jurain in the capital blocking roads and railway tracks on Friday afternoon, demanding withdrawal of a High Court directive banning battery-operated rickshaws on the city roads.
The drivers have clashed with police on the third day of protests against a High Court order banning the vehicles in the Dhaka Metropolitan Area.
The confrontation occurred in Jurain on Friday as drivers blocked roads and railway tracks. Police used tear gas shells to disperse the crowd and to take control of the situation.
The protesters halted two trains--Narayanganj Commuter and Nakshikantha Commuter to and from the capital. As a result, train services between Dhaka-Narayanganj and Dhaka-Mawa-Padma Bridge came to a standstill.
The demonstration escalated into a confrontation with law enforcement officials, resulting in chase and counter-chase, spreading panic in the area. Shopkeepers shut down their businesses during the skirmishes.
The agitated auto-drivers vowed to continue their demonstrations until they are granted permission to operate their rickshaws.
Earlier, on Tuesday, a High Court bench comprising Justice Fatema Najib and Justice Sikder Mahmudur Razi directed the cessation of plying of battery-operated auto-rickshaws within three days in the Dhaka Metropolitan area. Following the court order, rickshaw drivers have been staging protests in different areas of the capital.
Meanwhile, on Thursday, widespread blockades paralyzed the city, leading to repeated clashes between protesters and law enforcement men. Train services were disrupted for nearly six hours due to the demonstrations.
Sub-Inspector Nazmun Nahar, Duty Officer of Shyampur Police Station, said, "Since 11:00am, battery-powered rickshaw drivers have been occupying the rail lines in Jurain. Police are working to manage the situation."
The protests also disrupted train services between Dhaka and Narayanganj, as well as connectivity to southern regions via the Padma Bridge, according to Dhaka Railway Station Master Mohammad Anwar Hossain. "Protests on the tracks have halted train operations since 11:00am," he said.
Around 1:00pm, police asked the protesters to clear the roads, which led to a chase and counter-chase. Tear gas was lobbed to control the situation. By late afternoon, small groups of protesters remained scattered on the roads.
Witnesses claimed local BNP activists joined the protesters when police tried to clear the area.
In the wake of the HC decision, drivers demonstrated in Dayaganj on Wednesday, while on Thursday, protests erupted in areas like Mohakhali, Mirpur, Malibagh, Mohammadpur, Gabtoli, Agargaon, Nakhalpara, Rampura, and Khilgaon.
Protesters are demanding the continuation of battery-powered rickshaws and the renewal of licences for pedal-run rickshaws in Dhaka North City Corporation.
The Rickshaw, Battery Rickshaw-Van, and Easy Bike Sangram Parishad, led by Khalequzzaman Lipon, has urged the High Court to withdraw its decision.
However, this is not the first attempt to ban these vehicles. In May, former road transport and bridges minister Obaidul Quader announced a similar ban, citing frequent accidents and safety concerns. The move was supported by former Dhaka mayors Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh and Atiqul Islam.
However, protests by drivers and rickshaw garage owners led the government to reconsider, with former prime minister Sheikh Hasina eventually allowing their operation, citing livelihood concerns.
Following the government changeover in August, pedal-run rickshaw drivers have renewed their push to ban battery-powered rickshaws.
They argue that these vehicles create unfair competition and are calling for proper licensing to safeguard their livelihoods. They also demand the issuance and renewal of rickshaw licences in both Dhaka North and South City Corporations.
