Auto-rickshaw operators demand withdrawal of ban on highways 

Auto-rickshaw operators in Dhaka have demanded withdrawal of the ban on their vehicles on national highways.

Staff Correspondentbdnews24.com
Published : 26 July 2015, 02:44 PM
Updated : 26 July 2015, 02:44 PM

In a press statement, the Auto-rickshaw, Auto-tempu, Mishuk Sramik Union also threatened a 'tough movement' if their demand was not met.

The government has banned auto-rickshaws and similar smaller vehicles from plying on the highways to curb road traffic accidents. 

Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader has said the ban will be effective from August.

The Union's General Secretary Golam Faruk termed the ban 'inhumane'.

"Accidents will not stop by banning vehicles. Cutting the head to cure headache doesn't solve the problem," he observed.

He said they would launch a movement and extend it if the ban was not withdrawn.

"The ban will harm hundreds of thousands of owners of auto-rickshaws and transport workers," Faruk said.

Bus owners and drivers have long been demanding a ban on auto-rickshaws on the highways, blaming their low speed for accidents.

The High Court had banned three-wheeled human hauler 'Nasiman', 'Kariman' or 'Bhatbhati' on the highways in 10 south-western districts last year.

The government took tough measures to stop these vehicles run by battery or shallow-engine on all highways.