The Auto-Rickshaw Workers’ Union has called for a complete ban on ride-sharing services in motorcycles and private cars, claiming that these vehicles are a significant contributor to the increasing traffic congestion in Dhaka. Currently, over 150,000 private cars and 1.2 million motorcycles are involved in ride-sharing within the capital.
In addition to this demand, the union has also put forward a 10-point demand list that includes restricting CNG auto-rickshaws from outside Dhaka Metro registration from entering the city, and banning rickshaws and vans on major roads.
On Wednesday, October 2, the Union’s General Secretary, Mohammad Hanif Khokon, submitted a formal petition with these demands to the Chief Advisor’s office. Other key points include a complete halt to battery-powered rickshaws, legal actions against manufacturers of these rickshaws, and the issuance of 100,000 new rickshaw-van licenses after revoking all current licenses.
The union emphasized that traffic congestion in Dhaka is largely due to the extensive use of 150,000 private cars and 1.2 million motorcycles for ride-sharing purposes. They also called for the removal of outdated, unfit vehicles and suggested implementing modern transportation systems in the city, along with measures to stop illegal extortion from public transport operators.
The union’s demands, if fulfilled, could lead to significant changes in Dhaka’s transportation system, potentially reducing traffic jams but impacting the popular ride-sharing industry.
