Dhaka, Nov 23 (V7N) — Rickshaw, battery-powered rickshaw, van, and easybike drivers under the banner of the Rickshaw, Battery Operated Rickshaw-Van, and Easybike Drivers Sangram Parishad held a rally in front of the National Press Club on Saturday to demand the implementation of their seven-point charter.

The key demands include the registration of battery-powered vehicles such as rickshaws and easybikes, issuing drivers' licenses and route permits, modernizing these vehicles to address technical defects, and establishing charging stations to prevent electricity theft and waste.

Key Points of the Rally:

1. Vehicle Registration and Licensing: The group demanded that battery-powered vehicles like easybikes and rickshaws be registered and granted necessary licenses and permits.

2. Technical Improvements: They called for modernizing battery-powered vehicles by addressing technical shortcomings to make them safer and more efficient.

3. Livelihood Protection: Leaders emphasized that halting the operation of these vehicles would impact the livelihoods of over 60 lakh people, including drivers, mechanics, and owners, who contribute approximately 2 lakh crore BDT annually to the national economy without government incentives.

4. Compensation for Workers: They insisted on compensation, treatment, and rehabilitation for workers injured or killed in accidents or mass protests.

5. Charging Stations: The installation of charging stations was proposed as a solution to electricity theft and waste.

6. Dedicated Service Roads: They called for constructing service roads or bypass lanes for low-speed vehicles to ensure smoother traffic flow and reduce accidents.

7. Worker Welfare: Demands included army-rate rations, pensions, and free medical care for all workers, along with effective measures to curb extortion, harassment, and theft on the roads.

Jalal Ahmed, President of the Sangram Parishad, highlighted the struggles of the sector, noting that most drivers and owners operate under immense financial and social pressures, including police harassment and illegal extortion. "If battery-powered rickshaws are stopped, millions will lose their livelihood," he said, urging the government to review the Supreme Court's directive prohibiting their operation.

The rally concluded with calls to protect the interests of the millions dependent on battery-operated vehicles and to recognize their contribution to the national economy. Participants warned of further protests if their demands are not addressed promptly.

END/MSS/AJ