The Rickshaw, Battery-Powered Rickshaw-Van, and E-Bike Struggle Council has demanded the implementation of the Supreme Court’s order regarding battery-operated auto rickshaws and called for a reconsideration of the ban to allow them to operate on roads. They also emphasized the need to resolve their challenges and secure their livelihood.

On Saturday, they protested in front of the National Press Club, urging the government to take swift action to fulfill their eight demands.

Their demands include:

1. Finalizing and promptly gazetting the 2024 policy for the proper management and regulation of three-wheelers and similar motor vehicles.

2. Registering electric motorcycles, rickshaws, and other battery-operated vehicles under the existing regulatory framework, along with issuing licenses for drivers and route permits.

3. Addressing technical faults in battery-powered vehicles and ensuring modernization to improve efficiency and safety.

4. Providing adequate compensation for workers injured or killed during public uprisings, involving students, laborers, and the general public.

5. Installing dedicated charging stations nationwide to prevent electricity theft and wastage.

6. Ensuring rationing, pension schemes, and free healthcare services for all workers, similar to the military.

7. Constructing service roads or bypass lanes for e-bikes, rickshaws, and other low-speed, local vehicles on every road and highway to reduce chaos and accidents.

8. Stopping the confiscation of battery-operated rickshaws and e-bikes in Dhaka and across the country, and returning seized vehicles and batteries.

The council’s leaders have warned of renewed protests if their demands are not met immediately.