Sylhet Bureau :
The Rickshaw-Van-Easy Bike Workers Union, Sylhet District, has made 11-point demands, including the lifting of the ban on the movement of battery-powered rickshaws in Sylhet metropolis and the restoration of the disconnected electricity connection.
A Protest’ rally was held at the Sylhet Government Alia Madrasa Ground on Tuesday (October 28) afternoon. Earlier, the workers went to the rally site from Amberkhana in the city with a procession around 11:30 am. On the way, they reached Alia Madrasa Ground chanting slogans like “Give back rickshaws”, “Give licenses”, and “Create jobs”.
Speakers at the rally said that the decision to ban battery-powered rickshaws is unfair and inhumane. If it is not withdrawn, a larger movement program will be given. The speakers said that this vehicle is environmentally friendly and is the only source of livelihood for thousands of low-income working families. They claim that about 30,000 families have been left in limbo due to the administration’s decision.
Earlier, the organization’s convener, Masrukh Jalil, raised the same demand at a press conference held at the Sylhet Press Club on Monday (October 27). He said, “Battery-powered rickshaws are not only environmentally friendly, but have also stood by the common people during the movement. Even 24 rickshaw drivers have given their lives in the student-public movement.”
He alleged that this modern technology-based vehicle is being shown as illegal through propaganda. However, the administration should have formulated policies and introduced a licensing system through BRTA.
The organization’s 11-point demands include lifting the ban, returning the seized vehicles, restoring electricity connections to charging garages, introducing rickshaw licenses and registration, stopping harassment of workers, and ensuring alternative employment.
It is worth noting that the police started a campaign to stop the movement of battery-powered rickshaws in Sylhet metropolis at the end of last September. The drive, initiated by Sylhet Metropolitan Police Commissioner Abdul Quddus Chowdhury, saw many rickshaws seized and several charging points disconnected.
The leaders of the workers’ union, who were adamant in their demands, said they would continue their agitation until the ban was lifted. At around 12:30 pm, the workers took up position in front of the Sylhet Central Shaheed Minar.
Due to their sit-in, traffic on the Zindabazar-Chowhatta road was completely stopped, resulting in severe traffic jams across the city and causing extreme suffering to the common people.
