Battery-run rickshaw drivers call for end to ‘harassment’ outside Press Club

Drivers of battery-run rickshaws have blocked the road outside the National Press Club for an hour to push for an end to police “harassment”, vehicle seizures, and for the opportunity to use their vehicles on all roads in Dhaka without restrictions.

Groups of protesters marched to the Press Club from different parts of Dhaka before gathering at 10:30am on Monday.

Around 11:30am, several thousand drivers blocked both sides of the road, bringing all traffic to a halt.

The protesting drivers said their rickshaws are regularly seized on the roads and sent to dumping grounds, where a Tk 2,000 – 3,000 fine has to be paid to get them released. It is difficult for a poor driver to manage such a fine and continue their work. Connections at battery-run rickshaw charging points are also regularly cut off, they said.

The drivers warned of stricter programmes if an end was not brought to this “harassment”.

Around 12:30pm, the drivers cleared the road and marched off towards Paltan, police officials on duty said.

Shahbagh Police chief Md Moniruzzaman said, “Several thousand battery rickshaw drivers blocked the road in front of the Press Club to push for different demands. This brought traffic to a halt. Then, around 12:30pm, they marched away.”