Pedal rickshaw pullers block Shahbagh intersection

Calling for the ban of battery-run autorickshaws on main roads, pedal rickshaw pullers blocked the capital's Shahbagh intersection on Monday. 

Hundreds of pedal rickshaw pullers took up positions at Shahbagh at around 11am on Monday (26 August), halting traffic in the area. 

The pedal rickshaw pullers gathered under the banner of the Greater Dhaka City Corporation Rickshaw Owners Coalition. They made several demands during their demonstration. 

Protesting rickshaw pullers said, battery-run autorickshaw pullers often accept lower fares from passengers. As a result, pedal rickshaw pullers are deprived of fair income. 

Lamenting the inadequate income, pedal rickshaw puller Abdul Rouf said it is impossible to make a living from the money they earn after pulling rickshaws all day. 

Pedal rickshaw pullers also alleged that in the past, autorickshaws were only seen in the alleys. Now they are seen on main roads, causing traffic congestion and accidents. 

Confirming the matter, Shahbagh Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md Shahin said, some rickshaw pullers expressed their demands. They left after staying at Shahbagh for some time. The situation is normal now. Traffic is also back to normal.