Rickshaw, van and easybike workers block Paltan intersection over 12-point demands, severe traffic jam

Transport workers blocked the Paltan intersection in the capital and held a protest programme with a 12-point charter of demands, including ensuring the protection of the livelihoods and small capital of battery-run rickshaw, van and easybike workers.

The road blockade and rally, which began at 11 in the morning on Monday, severely disrupted vehicular movement in the adjoining areas.

As a result, severe traffic jams spread across the surrounding roads, and ordinary commuters faced extreme hardship.

One of the protesters' key demands is to amend the Battery-run Rickshaw Policy-2025 and formulate a complete worker-friendly policy.

They demanded institutional registration and valid approval for all vehicles, and also raised the demand to set the minimum age of drivers at eighteen years.

Speakers at the rally demanded that the BRTA issue proper licences and valid documents for all battery-run vehicles.

They also demanded that government fees for registration and renewal be reduced and capped at a maximum of one thousand taka.

They strongly demanded at least a two-year period so that the actual drivers and owners at the field level can obtain licences without hassle.