Battery-run rickshaw ban in Gulshan, tension sparks

Staff Reporter :

Tensions are rising in Dhaka’s upscale Gulshan and Banani areas following the recent ban on battery-powered autorickshaws. Although protests had remained largely peaceful over the past two days, Monday-the third day of the ban-saw escalating confrontations between autorickshaw drivers, locals, and other commuters.
Investigations revealed that groups of autorickshaw drivers attempted to block roads in Gulshan, Banani, and adjacent areas in protest, disrupting traffic and triggering altercations. Eyewitnesses reported multiple verbal confrontations and even physical scuffles between battery-run autorickshaw drivers and pedal rickshaw operators as well as bikers. Several videos of these clashes have since circulated on social media.
In one particularly alarming incident on Banani’s Road 21, two pedal rickshaw drivers were reportedly thrown near a canal by agitated auto drivers. Such occurrences have unsettled local residents and business owners, who have expressed frustration over the unrest.
According to reports from locals, some battery-powered autorickshaw drivers targeted pedal rickshaw operators on Monday morning, attacking them wherever they encountered them. In some cases, when bikers attempted to intervene, they too became targets.
The protesting drivers argue that they deserve the right to operate in Gulshan-Banani like in other parts of Dhaka. They have called for a regulated system that would allow them to continue earning a livelihood without facing such abrupt restrictions.
The controversy stems from the decision announced on Saturday to officially ban battery-run autorickshaws in Gulshan. Historically, only registered and specially-colored pedal rickshaws were permitted in the area. However, in recent months, unregulated battery-powered autorickshaws from outside began entering the zone, which local residents say led to increased traffic congestion and public disorder.
In response, the Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC), in collaboration with the Gulshan Society and Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), decided to enforce the ban to restore order and streamline traffic flow in the neighborhood.