Dhaka, Dec 03 (V7N) – Advising city dwellers to walk for distances of one to one and a half kilometres, Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Sheikh Md Sazzad Ali has said the use of battery-powered autorickshaws is increasing complications, which is why for short distances, autorickshaws should not be used, and people need to develop the habit of walking.
He made this statement on Tuesday as the chief guest during a discussion meeting with residents of the Mohammadpur area in the capital.
The DMP commissioner said: "Autorickshaws are necessary for lower- and middle-income people of society. We need to think practically. However, if autorickshaws continue to increase at this rate, they will take over the entire road. Then no one will be able to go outside their homes. We cannot let this happen. It is essential to take measures right now."
He added: "Owners are investing Tk80,000-Tk90,000 in autorickshaws and earning Tk500 per day. Those of us in professions like doctors, engineers, or others, are investing Tk1 million to put 10 autorickshaws on the road and are earning Tk5,000 every day. If you put Tk100,000 in a bank, you will only get Tk1,000 per month. That is why everyone is investing in autorickshaws, and the number is increasing rapidly."
He further said: "If the number of autorickshaws continues to grow like this, there will eventually be no room left to move. Ambulances will not be able to pass on the roads. Dhaka city will become paralyzed. We have informed the government that no more autorickshaws should be allowed to increase."
Addressing political leaders, the DMP commissioner said: "This is an independent country. You hold processions and meetings. There is freedom of speech in this country. We are ready to provide security for these activities. However, do not hold your processions or meetings in places that create traffic problems. When there are traffic issues, residents suffer. People are stuck in traffic for hours, and fuel is wasted."
He also mentioned: "Whenever there is a procession or meeting, the roads are closed. Please hold your political processions or meetings in open fields so that the roads are not blocked, and city dwellers do not suffer."
END/MSS/AJ
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