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Published : 25 Nov 2024, 05:01 PM
The Chamber Court of the Supreme Court has issued a one-month status quo on the High Court’s directive to ban battery-powered rickshaws in Dhaka within three days.
The decision allows the rickshaws to operate without legal barriers for now, lawyers confirmed.
Justice Md Rezaul Haque of the Chamber Court delivered the order on Monday following a state petition challenging the High Court's directive.
The court also instructed the High Court to resolve the rule regarding the legality of battery-operated rickshaws within a month.
Attorney General Md Asaduzzaman and Additional Attorney General Arshadur Rouf represented the state during the hearing. Barristers HM Shanjid Siddique and Tahsina Tasnim appeared for the writ petitioners, while Barrister Ruhul Quddus Kazal, with the court's permission, argued on behalf of the general public.
Sanjid told journalists: “The status quo means there are no legal barriers for battery-powered rickshaws to operate on Dhaka's streets for now.”
On Nov 19, the High Court bench of Justice Fatema Najib and Justice Mahmudur Raji ordered a halt to battery-operated rickshaws within three days in Dhaka.
The order came during the initial hearing of a writ petition filed by the Greater Dhaka City Corporation Pedal Rickshaw Owners’ Association.
The High Court also issued a rule asking why the authorities' inaction in regulating these rickshaws should not be declared illegal.
The directive was addressed to officials, including the home secretary, local government secretary, inspector general of police, Dhaka Metropolitan Police commissioner, and authorities of the two city corporations.
The writ petition was submitted by Jahurul Islam Masum, the association’s president, and Md Momin Ali, its secretary.
They argued that unlicensed battery-powered rickshaws were hurting their livelihoods.
Despite lacking legal approval, battery-powered rickshaws have been operating in Dhaka’s alleyways for years.
However, they began appearing on major city roads recently, particularly after anti-government protests disrupted regular traffic.
The High Court's order led to widespread protests by battery rickshaw drivers, who blocked roads in various parts of Dhaka almost daily.
Clashes between protesters and police were reported in some areas.
