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Published : 24 Nov 2024, 10:39 PM
The interim government has decided to appeal the High Court's recent order to ban battery-powered rickshaws in Dhaka following widespread protests and clashes between drivers and law-enforcing agencies.
The decision was announced by Abul Kalam Azad Majumder, chief advisor’s deputy press secretary, during a regular briefing at the Foreign Service Academy on Sunday evening.
"The government has decided to appeal the High Court's order to ban battery-operated rickshaws in the Supreme Court. We are hopeful that the Supreme Court will give a positive decision on this matter," Majumder said.
However, he did not specify when the appeal would be filed.
Since the High Court's order on Tuesday, which gave three days for the removal of these rickshaws from Dhaka city, protests and blockades have erupted across the capital.
Rickshaw drivers have been on strike, resulting in violent clashes with the law-enforcing agencies.
The protests, which have now continued for five days, have led to significant disruptions in the city.
Despite having no legal status, battery-powered rickshaws have long been a common sight in the narrow lanes of Dhaka and other cities.
After the anti-government movement, these rickshaws began operating on major roads as well.
However, their growing presence on the city's streets has led to increased congestion and disruptions in daily life.
The court's order came after a petition was filed by the Pedal Rickshaw Owners' Association, which led to a bench of Justice Fatema Nazeeb and Justice Mahmudur Razzaque issuing the ruling.
Following the order, rickshaw drivers blocked the Doyaganj intersection the next day, demanding the continuation of battery-powered rickshaws.
Although these rickshaws have been widely used in rural and urban areas, their increasing numbers in Dhaka have caused more problems, including traffic congestion.
In April 2022, the Appellate Division ruled that these rickshaws would not be allowed on highways, although they were permitted to operate on other roads.
Earlier this year, during the Awami League government's tenure, an initiative to ban battery-powered rickshaws was introduced but was later dropped due to resistance from drivers.
Now, under the interim government, a similar initiative has led to ongoing protests.
A senior government official said, "We will try to resolve the matter by obtaining a stay order against the court's ruling. If not, we will have to comply with the court's order.
“However, it's clear that there are more rickshaws in the capital than needed,” he said.
