Leaders and activists of the Rickshaw, Van, and Easy-Bike Workers' Union staged a sit-in on the road in front of the National Press Club, demanding the withdrawal of the High Court's order banning battery-powered vehicles in Dhaka.
The protest began at 10:00 am on Sunday (November 24), disrupting traffic on both sides of the road in front of the Press Club and causing significant congestion in surrounding areas.
An impromptu stage was set up on a truck at the protest site, where participants performed songs and recited poetry to emphasize their demands. Speeches were also delivered by rickshaw owners and drivers, highlighting their grievances and pressing for action.
The protesters called for the immediate withdrawal of the ban on battery-powered rickshaws and requested the issuance of route permits to ensure their continued operation.
A large number of police personnel were deployed near the protest site to maintain order. Police officials stated they are on high alert to prevent any untoward incidents.
Shafiqul Islam Shamim, a battery-powered rickshaw driver, said, "We are poor people, and this rickshaw is our only means of livelihood. The sudden ban has left us helpless. We hope the government will consider our plight and issue route permits for battery-powered rickshaws soon."