Owners of three rickshaws crushed by Dhaka North will be compensated: Administrator Azaz
The post came in the face of severe criticism of authorities over the Dhaka North drive by netizens, with many labelling the move as unjust and inhumane
The Dhaka North City Corporation will provide compensation to the owners of three battery-run rickshaws that were crushed in a drive by the local governing body earlier Tuesday (13 May), Administrator Mohammad Azaz said in a Facebook post amid severe criticism of the drive.
"Compensation is being given to the three people whose rickshaws were crushed today. Three rickshaws were crushed because they did not come to the main road. We are taking initiatives to provide alternative income to the families," the Dhaka North administrator wrote in a Facebook post on his profile.
The post came in the face of severe criticism on social media over the Dhaka North drive against unauthorised rickshaws in the Asadgate area, with many netizens labelling the move as unjust and inhumane.
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Earlier on the day, Azaz told reporters that at least 30 rickshaws were seized during the drive, which was conducted with the assistance of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police.
Videos of rickshaws being crushed during the drive went viral on social media, drawing stringent backlash.
Speaking to reporters on the day, Azaz said the Dhaka North plans to launch training programmes for rickshaw drivers within this month.
Only those who pass the training will receive legal licenses and will be allowed to operate Buet-approved rickshaws in designated areas of the city, he also said, adding that several companies have been authorised to produce battery-powered rickshaws based on designs approved by the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (Buet).
Only one license will be issued per national ID card to curb the commercialisation of rickshaw operations, he said.
"Licensed rickshaws will not be allowed to cross into zones assigned to other rickshaws. To reduce passenger inconvenience, fares will also be regulated," he added.
Citing a recent survey, the DNCC administrator said battery-powered rickshaws are responsible for 20% of road accidents, mostly affecting women and children.
Criticising unregulated production of these vehicles, he said they lack safety features and often operate at uncontrollable speeds, causing frequent accidents and endangering pedestrians.
