Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader has categorically said that no battery-run rickshaws will be allowed on the streets of the capital Dhaka.
The imposition of a ban on battery-operated rickshaws on Dhaka city streets is not enough, but make sure to prevent those from running, Quader made the call pointing finger at the authorities concerned.
Quader, also general secretary of the ruling Awami League, came up with the order during the first meeting of the Road Transport Advisory Council held at the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) building in Banani area of Dhaka on Wednesday.
Claiming that the running of battery-run auto-rickshaws and easy bikes has been prohibited on 22 highways in the country, Quader asked the respective authorities to implement the order.
The country has witnessed a rise in road accidents attributed to reckless motorcycle riding and the unregulated presence of easy bikes on highways, he said.
The reckless riding of motorcycles will have to be controlled and the unfit vehicles must be scrapped, he underscored the need.
Stressing the need for introducing a “no helmet, no fuel” policy, the Awami League leader said that no more than two people including the driver, can be carried on a motorcycle across the country, with everyone required to wear helmets. Otherwise, fuel sales will be prohibited, he added.
About the use of hydraulic horns, Quader said his protection car has been without a hooter for the past 10 years. The unnecessary use of the hooter needs to be stopped and it cannot be sounded without emergency services, added the minister.
