Battery-run rickshaw drivers demonstrate in Dhaka, demand end to 'police harassment'
The protest began around 10:30am, when groups gathered in front of the Press Club in small processions.
Battery-run rickshaw drivers staged a sit-in in front of the National Press Club in Dhaka today (5 October), pressing home several demands, including an end to what they called harassment by traffic police.
The protest significantly reduced the number of battery-run rickshaws operating in the capital, leaving some commuters struggling to find transport.
The protest began around 10:30am, when groups gathered in front of the Press Club in small processions. By 11:30am, several thousand participants had blocked both sides of the road, bringing traffic movement in the area to a halt.
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At a protest rally, speakers alleged that autorickshaws are being seized on the roads and taken to dumping yards. They said fines ranging from Tk2,000 to Tk3,000 are being imposed, making it difficult for low-income drivers to pay the fines or retrieve their vehicles.
They also said connections to battery-run rickshaw charging points are being cut.
The protesters placed four demands: unconditional release of four labour leaders; no disconnection of legal electricity connections; issuance of road permits for autorickshaws; and licences for autorickshaw drivers through proper training.
They also demanded an end to vehicle dumping and what they described as "police harassment", as well as unrestricted movement of autorickshaws on all roads in the capital.
The protesters warned that tougher programmes would be announced if their demands were not met within 72 hours.
They said they would continue their protest until their demands were addressed.
Around 12:30pm, they left the road and headed towards Paltan in a procession.
Shahbagh Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Md Moniruzzaman said several thousand battery-run rickshaw drivers blocked the road in front of the Press Club over various demands.
"Traffic movement came to a halt due to their blockade," he said, adding that they left the area in a procession around 12:30pm.
