For the second consecutive day, rickshaw drivers have been blocking roads in various parts of the capital in protest against the order to halt the operation of battery-operated rickshaws in the Dhaka metropolitan area.
Meanwhile, rickshaw drivers have staged protests on the railway tracks, including at the Mohakhali railway crossing, halting train services from Dhaka to the rest of the country. The suspension of train movement was implemented to ensure passenger safety amid the protest. As a result, traffic in the Mohakhali area and surrounding regions has been completely gridlocked. Commuters heading to their offices have faced severe difficulties, with many unable to find vehicles and forced to continue their journeys on foot.
For safety reasons, train services have been suspended since 10 a.m. No trains have departed from or are arriving at Dhaka station since then. Trains bound for Dhaka are currently being held at nearby stations.
Dhaka Railway Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Zainal Abedin confirmed, "We were informed that battery-operated rickshaw drivers are protesting by blocking the Mohakhali railway line. Upon receiving the report, multiple police teams were dispatched to the scene. The railway police are working to restore control of the situation."
Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Banani Police Station, Russell Sarwar, stated that battery-operated rickshaw drivers have been protesting in the Mohakhali area since morning, blocking several roads, including railway crossings. In addition, they have occupied the Mahakhali railway line. "We are actively working to bring the situation under control," he added.
Translated by Mazdud
