Lives of 80 lakh people depend on the mode of transport

Not advisable to ban valid rickshaws in Dhaka: Experts

Experts have said that valid rickshaws should not be banned from the Dhaka streets, but illegal rickshaws should be evicted. Citing the research of Bangladesh Institute of Labour Studies (BILS), they said there are 10 lakh rickshaws in Dhaka city. These are run by 20 lakh people in two shifts. More than 60 lakh people depend on these pullers. So, about 80 lakh people depend on rickshaws in Dhaka. Half of the rickshaw-pullers' families live in villages and money is sent to them from Dhaka. So, evicting rickshaws will not be a good decision. The experts also said a mass public transport system must be first introduced in Dhaka before pulling out rickshaws.

A roundtable discussion—Dhaka city public transport and rickshaw: Reality, problems, and way forward—was held at the National Press Club yesterday (Tuesday). It was organised by BILS.  Experts and stakeholders urged the authorities not to remove rickshaws from Dhaka streets.  

“It is not possible to cover a large part of the capital by public transport. So problems should be found out and the remedy implemented,” said Dr Rezaul Karim, a professor of the social work department of Jagannath University.

Adil Mohammed Khan, general secretary of the Bangladesh Institute of Planners (BIP), said: “At present, the rickshaw is the most important mode of transport, as there is a huge shortage of mass public transport in the capital for serving the large number of middle-class people.

"Make public transport available, then stop rickshaws. Otherwise, middle-class people will buy cars, which will further increase traffic jams,” he added.

Speakers at the meeting said the rickshaw is an essential vehicle for everyone, but rickshaw pullers are constantly harassed. Their human rights, livelihood, legal protection demand special attention. The city corporation has to make short and long-term plans regarding rickshaws. Everybody must look at the human aspect of rickshaw pullers. The city corporation, as well as political parties, will have to come forward.

Prof. MM Akas of the economics department of Dhaka University said: “Rickshaw pullers come from rural areas due to the lack of employment opportunities there.

We should try to create employment in the rural areas to control the number of rickshaws in Dhaka. A separate lane for rickshaws is needed on roads where there is speeding.

In addition, rickshaws should be permitted on other roads until a better mass transport system is adopted. However, the number of rickshaws has to be fixed.”

Lives of 80 lakh people depend on the mode of transport

Not advisable to ban valid rickshaws in Dhaka: Experts

Experts have said that valid rickshaws should not be banned from the Dhaka streets, but illegal rickshaws should be evicted. Citing the research of Bangladesh Institute of Labour Studies (BILS), they said there are 10 lakh rickshaws in Dhaka city. These are run by 20 lakh people in two shifts. More than 60 lakh people depend on these pullers. So, about 80 lakh people depend on rickshaws in Dhaka. Half of the rickshaw-pullers families live in villages and money is sent to them from Dhaka. So, evicting rickshaws will not be a good decision. The experts also said a mass public transport system must be first introduced in Dhaka before pulling out rickshaws. A roundtable discussionDhaka city public transport and rickshaw: Reality, problems, and way forwardwas held at the National Press Club yesterday (Tuesday). It was organised by BILS. Experts and stakeholders urged the authorities not to remove rickshaws from Dhaka streets. It is not possible to cover a large part of the capital by public transport. So problems should be found out and the remedy implemented, said Dr Rezaul Karim, a professor of the social work department of Jagannath University. Adil Mohammed Khan, general secretary of the Bangladesh Institute of Planners (BIP), said: At present, the rickshaw is the most important mode of transport, as there is a huge shortage of mass public transport in the capital for serving the large number of middle-class people. Make public transport available, then stop rickshaws. Otherwise, middle-class people will buy cars, which will further increase traffic jams, he added. Speakers at the meeting said the rickshaw is an essential vehicle for everyone, but rickshaw pullers are constantly harassed. Their human rights, livelihood, legal protection demand special attention. The city corporation has to make short and long-term plans regarding rickshaws. Everybody must look at the human aspect of rickshaw pullers. The city corporation, as well as political parties, will have to come forward. Prof. MM Akas of the economics department of Dhaka University said: Rickshaw pullers come from rural areas due to the lack of employment opportunities there. We should try to create employment in the rural areas to control the number of rickshaws in Dhaka. A separate lane for rickshaws is needed on roads where there is speeding. In addition, rickshaws should be permitted on other roads until a better mass transport system is adopted. However, the number of rickshaws has to be fixed.