The Auto Rickshaw Workers’ Union has demanded the banning of ride-sharing services using motorcycles and private cars, claiming these vehicles contribute significantly to traffic congestion in Dhaka. The union submitted a letter outlining their ten demands to the Prime Minister’s office on October 2.
According to the union, there are around 150,000 private cars and 1.2 million motorcycles engaged in ride-sharing in the city. They stated that these vehicles are among the primary causes of traffic jams in the capital.
In addition to banning ride-sharing services, the union is calling for the prohibition of unauthorized CNG auto rickshaws from operating in Dhaka and the restriction of rickshaws and vans on key roads.
The union’s ten demands include:
- Complete ban on battery-operated rickshaws and legal action against manufacturers.
- Revocation of all rickshaw and van licenses issued by the North and South City Corporations and the issuance of one lakh licenses for rickshaws and vans in Dhaka.
- Closure of ride-sharing services with 150,000 private cars and 1.2 million motorcycles in Dhaka.
- Permanent removal of expired and unfit vehicles.
- Gradual removal of street vendors from sidewalks and roads.
- Restriction on passengers boarding and alighting from vehicles at designated stops only.
- Suspension of vehicle document checks in areas that could cause traffic obstructions.
- Replacement of rundown vehicles with modern ones in Dhaka.
- Curbing illegal extortion by public transport operators on the streets.
Union General Secretary Mohammad Hanif Khokon emphasized that these measures are essential for easing the traffic situation in Dhaka.
Source: Dhaka Tribune
