Police foil battery-run rickshaw drivers’ rally in Ctg, arrest three
Organisers claim police launched an unprovoked attack on the gathering, injuring at least five people
Police foiled a rally organised by drivers of battery-powered rickshaws and arrested three individuals, including Al Kaderi Joy, convener of the local unit of the "Rickshaw, Battery Rickshaw-Van, and Easybike Sangram Parishad," in Chattogram this morning (29 April).
The incident took place at Dewanhat intersection in the port city at around 11:15am.
According to the organisers, police launched an unprovoked attack on the gathering, injuring at least five people.
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Monir Hossain, Organising Secretary of the Sangram Parishad, told The Business Standard, "We gathered peacefully with 100–150 people on the roadside, like a human chain. We did not block the road or chant any anti-government slogans. But the police suddenly attacked us, took away our microphones and banners, and started beating us indiscriminately. We have arranged treatment for five injured, but the number could rise."
Police, however, claimed the group had attempted to block the road under the pretext of a rally and was removed to maintain traffic flow.
Double Mooring Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Kazi Rafiqul Islam said, "Some individuals attempted to block the road and create disorder in the name of a rally. We cleared them to maintain traffic. Three individuals were arrested as they are accused in an ongoing case filed at Halishahar Police Station. They will be presented in court."
Those arrested include Al Kaderi Joy, who is also the Chattogram district-in-charge of the Bangladesh Samajtantrik Dal (Basad); Miraj Uddin, president of the Chattogram unit of the Samajtantrik Chhatra Front; and another activist named Rupom.
The Sangram Parishad called for today's protest to press a five-point demand, including an end to the seizure of rickshaws, harassment at garages, and police violence against drivers.
The protest comes in the wake of a crackdown on battery-powered rickshaws by city authorities, following a tragic incident on 18 April when a six-month-old baby died after a rickshaw fell into an open canal during heavy rain in the Kapasgola area.
In response, Chattogram City Corporation Mayor Shahadat Hossain called for stricter enforcement against such vehicles.
Since then, Chattogram Metropolitan Police have reportedly seized more than 3,000 battery-powered rickshaws across the city.
Earlier, on 23 April, the Sangram Parishad staged a road blockade at Bahir Signal under Chandgaon Police Station, which led to clashes with law enforcement.
Several people, including five police officers, were injured in the incident. Chandgaon police later arrested over 56 rickshaw drivers in connection with that demonstration.
