DHAKA, June 28 (V7N) – Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Adviser Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain today underscored the pivotal role played by rickshaw pullers in the "July mass uprising" (also known as the Student-People's Uprising of 2024). He announced that the government plans to integrate them into a comprehensive licensing system, which he believes will legitimize their profession and protect them from harassment.

"Our rickshaw pullers were among the key participants in the July mass uprising. By incorporating them into a licensing framework, we can ensure that they are no longer considered illegal, nor they will face harassment, allowing them to ply rickshaw with rightful civic recognition," he stated.

The adviser made these remarks while addressing the inauguration ceremony of a training program for low-speed battery-operated three-wheelers (e-rickshaws) at the Nagar Bhaban auditorium of Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC).

To combat corruption, Shojib Bhuyain announced that both rickshaw driver licensing and vehicle registration systems will be made available online. He also specified that, initially, a fixed number of e-rickshaws will operate within Zone-1 of Dhaka's two city corporation areas, with a gradual increase in numbers.

A dedicated app and website are being developed to bring all rickshaws under a unified network. Furthermore, each licensed e-rickshaw will be equipped with a Quick Response (QR) code on its license plate, allowing traffic police to easily access vehicle information.

Referring to the period after August 5, 2024, when regular traffic police were not on duty, Asif Mahmud noted that students voluntarily took on traffic management responsibilities without payment, driven by patriotism. This sense of civic responsibility has led to the inclusion of students in the master trainer training sessions for e-rickshaws, alongside personnel from the police and Department of Youths.

The adviser also cited data on road safety during the recent Eid celebrations, indicating that approximately 32 percent of road accidents are linked to auto-rickshaws. He acknowledged the various challenges and time constraints in launching this initiative but stressed that it is proceeding through collective efforts.

Before the program, Shojib Bhuyain inspected newly designed battery-powered rickshaws showcased on the ground floor of Nagar Bhaban.

Local Government Division Secretary Rezaul Maksud Jahedi presided over the function. Chief Adviser’s special assistants Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb and Khoda Baksh Chowdhury, along with administrators of the two city corporations, were also present.

Background on Rickshaws and the July Uprising:

Rickshaws are an ubiquitous mode of transport in Dhaka, employing hundreds of thousands of people. However, a significant portion of them operate without proper licenses, leading to issues of regulation, traffic congestion, and occasional harassment of drivers.

During the "July mass uprising" of 2024, rickshaw pullers played a crucial role, not only as participants in the protests but also by helping transport injured individuals and navigate the chaos in the city. Their resilience and efforts during a period of widespread unrest were widely noted. The government's new initiative appears to be an acknowledgment of their contribution and a move towards formalizing and improving their working conditions.

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