Dhaka, Nov 25 (V7N) — Protests by battery-powered rickshaw pullers continued in the capital on Monday as they blocked roads in the Agargaon area, disrupting traffic and voicing their discontent against the High Court's recent ban on their operation in the Dhaka metropolitan area.

The demonstration began around 10:30 am, causing significant traffic disruptions in the area. Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (ADC) Yasina Ferdous of Traffic-Mirpur Division informed the media that traffic was being redirected from Mirpur No. 10 to maintain a semblance of normalcy. "Efforts are underway to control the situation," she added.

While the protests unfolded, a delegation of the protesting rickshaw pullers entered a meeting with Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Sheikh Md. Sajjat Ali to discuss their grievances. Meanwhile, the state has filed an appeal against the High Court’s order, seeking to reverse the decision.

The protests were sparked by the November 19 ruling by the High Court bench of Justice Fatema Najib and Justice Mahmudur Razi, which directed the suspension of all battery-powered rickshaws in Dhaka within three days. Since then, rickshaw pullers have staged protests across the city, demanding the withdrawal of the ban.

The rickshaw pullers argue that the ban jeopardizes their livelihoods and have vowed to continue their protests until the decision is reversed. They claim that battery-powered rickshaws provide an essential and affordable means of transport and livelihood in the capital.

As tensions remain high, authorities and protesters are yet to reach a resolution. The protests have added pressure on the city’s traffic system, already strained by daily congestion, leaving commuters struggling to navigate alternative routes.

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