Rickshaw-pullers lift block from Dhaka streets

-- Blockade lifted over cops' assurance

-- Sit-in at Mugda, Khilgaon Bishwa Road and Malibagh

-- Protesters demand lift of ban by July 11

Rickshaw-pullers have withdrawn their blockade from Mugda, Khilgaon and Malibagh areas in Dhaka after getting assurance from the law enforcers that the ban on rickshaws on three city streets will be lifted soon.

However, they continued their demonstration at Sayedabad, Kamalapur, Taltola and Rampura Bazar areas of the capital till this afternoon.

Photo: Amran Hossain

“We will go for tougher measures if the ban is not lifted by July 11,” one of the protesters told The Daily Star.

Traffic movement came to a halt after thousands of rickshaw-pullers took to the streets and started sit-ins at different points in Mugda, Khilgaon Bishwa Road and Malibagh since morning.

Rickshaw-puller's protest in Dhaka on July 9, 2019. Photo: Star/ Prabir Das

After assuring the rickshaw-pullers that the ban would be lifted soon, they withdrew their demonstration, our correspondent reports quoting Sohrab Hossain, officer-in-charge (OC) of Sabujbag Police Station.

Long tailbacks in different roads disrupted the vehicular movement of the city on July 9, 2019. Photo: Star/ Amran Hossain

During the road blockade, commuters experienced huge sufferings as the city experienced long tailbacks at different parts of the city.

“There were no CNGs or other public transports available due to the tailback in Hatirjheel area. Commuters are forced to pay double for available transports like bike sharing rides or they have to walk to their destinations,” Shadma Malik, a female employee of a private organisation said.

On the other hand, after the ban on rickshaws significant change in traffic congestion is seen in New Market area of the capital today.

Mirpur Road in the area is free from traffic jam and the vehicles are moving with ease, our photo journalist reports from the spot.

No traffic congestion is seen in Mirpur road near New Market area on July 9, 2019, after the ban on rickshaws. Photo: Star/ Palash Khan

On July 3, a committee led by Dhaka South City Corporation Mayor Sayeed Khokon decided to keep rickshaws off the roads between Kuril and Sayedabad via Rampura and Khilgaon, Gabtoli and Azimpur via Asad Gate, and Science Laboratory intersection and Shahbagh.