2024-08-27 05:30:29
DU Correspondent || risingbd.com
Published: 13:34, 26 August 2024 Updated: 13:35, 26 August 2024
Photo: RisingBD
The foot-driven rickshaw pullers blocked the Shahbag intersection demanding the ban of battery-powered auto-rickshaws on the main roads of the capital.
On Monday (August 26) at around 11 am, hundreds of foot rickshaw drivers took a stand at Shahbag intersection. Traffic around the intersection was blocked. At this time, the pedal rickshaw pullers started chanting slogans like ‘Don’t run, don’t run, auto rickshaw won’t run’, ‘Illegal auto rickshaws won’t be allowed to run’, ‘Discrimination in Bangladesh, don’t accept, don’t accept’.
The drivers are carrying out this blockade program under the banner of Rickshaw Owners Social Development Organization. At this time they raised several demands to the chief advisor of the interim government.
Their demands are that rickshaw owners should issue new licenses and renew old licenses from Dhaka North City Corporation like Dhaka South City Corporation. In order to increase the revenue of the government and in the interest of the validly licensed rickshaw professionals, driver licenses should be issued from Dhaka North and South City Corporation. Free Friday medical treatment for sick drivers. Rickshaw professionals licensed by Dhaka North and South City Corporation should issue business trade license.
Some of the rickshaw pullers protesting the agitation said auto rickshaw drivers do not collect fair fare from passengers. Where they rent 50 rupees, they go to 20 rupees. Because of them we don’t get any passengers.
They also said, ‘We cannot survive on our own with the money we earn by driving rickshaws all day. There is no money at the end of the day. Can’t send any money home for family either. ‘
/rony/saif/