Battery-powered rickshaw drivers have been staging relentless protests in Dhaka for several days, blocking major roads to demand the right to operate on main thoroughfares.
They marched from various parts of the city to the Press Club to press their demands on Sunday (24 November).
Demonstrations also erupted in Mohammadpur, where protesters blocked roads from the morning, creating severe traffic congestion in Mohammadpur, Dhanmondi, Mirpur, and Gabtoli.
Many residents faced significant delays and disruptions due to the gridlock.
Protesters gathered at key junctions in Mohammadpur, including the Nabinnagar-7 area, Beraibandh crossroads, and near the Bhangi Mosque.
They vowed to continue the movement until permission is granted for battery-powered rickshaws to use main roads.
Adding to the public's unease, many demonstrators were seen carrying sticks, which has sparked fear among residents.
Some locals alleged that many participants were not actual rickshaw drivers but rather activists from district-level Awami League factions.
Similar road blockades were attempted in the Science Laboratory area.
Around 11:15am, a procession from the Bata Signal was seen heading toward the Science Lab intersection.
The protests have severely disrupted traffic flow across the capital, amplifying public frustration.
The unrest follows a High Court directive issued on 19 November ordering the cessation of battery-powered rickshaws in Dhaka within three days. The ruling came after an initial hearing of a writ petition filed by a pedal-powered rickshaw association. T
HC bench of Justice Fatema Najib and Justice Mahmudur Raji instructed the Home Secretary, Local Government Secretary, Inspector General of Police, Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner, and both Dhaka City Corporations to enforce the order.
The court further declared battery-powered rickshaws entirely illegal, citing the absence of any legal provisions for licensing them.
Additionally, a rule was issued questioning why the authorities’ inaction against these vehicles should not be deemed unlawful.
Following the court ruling, rickshaw drivers initiated protests, starting with a blockade at Dhaka’s Doyaganj intersection.
The drivers have continued to demonstrate, with their latest demand being the reversal of the ban and the legalisation of battery-powered rickshaws.
The protests have highlighted tensions between rickshaw drivers, authorities, and citizens, with no resolution in sight.
