Sharda Zaman

What is a battery-operated rickshaw? It is a rickshaw that is run by electric battery. The idea of battery-run rickshaw was floated before the outbreak of Covid-19. At that time the number of these rickshaws was a few, but presently the number increased tremendously, especially in the city’s Zigatola, West Dhanmondi 15 (Keari Plaza), West Dhanmondi-19 (old) areas, making people’s life miserable.

Each time when I write about the social issue, I am left wondering observing the sheer indifference of the authorities concerned towards the public nuisance. The fact is that the authorities are unable to feel the people’s woes. Believe it or not, the battery-run rickshaw-pullers operate the rickshaws in this capital city wearing lungi. Oh! You can’t imagine that! Are these operators shameless? Was the idea of battery-run rickshaw was floated for them? Not at all!

Initially, it was introduced for people with special needs (physically-challenged people). A less number indeed! Gradually, the number increased and ultimately able-bodied persons snatched away battery-operated rickshaws from them. Now, fatal accidents are occurring every day because of reckless driving of these rickshaws. In most of the cases, none cares what would happen to the victims. He/she might be mentally sick or physically disabled. She/he might be the only earning member of the family. After this fatal accident, survival of the family is questionable.

Power consumption is another level of theft for using a battery. The victim of such accidents turns inactive and he/she would not be able to pay his/her children’s tuition fees. Prices of essential items are hiking every day. There are additional issues for the poor family. The sufferings of the victim’s family are noticeable.

Battery-operated rickshaw - is it a demand of time or something else? Is it nature-friendly? Have you ever noticed as to how people like it? Here is an example. While returning from a regular check-up from the Ibn Sina Diagnostic Centre, a 60-year-old lady was waiting to cross the road, but she couldn’t do it. She looked helpless! Fear of accidents gripped her! Being a diabetic patient, she needed medicine, but she could not buy it because of recklessness of battery operated rickshaw-pullers. Our grandmother-like figures are suffering in certain areas of the capital everyday where battery-operated rickshaws have made life miserable!

What is more objectionable is that many of the battery-operated rickshaw pullers shamelessly watch women passers-by from head to toe. Sometimes they pass comments in an abusive tone. Law-enforcers should take note of it to do the needful. We also urge the authorities concerned to crackdown on reckless driving of battery-operated rickshaws in this over populous city.

This is the best time of practicing "culture of manner", henceforth , battery -run rickshaw should be banned immediately. It was practiced only for handicapped or the old people who were unable to pull but to survive. Today's date is very rare to get. Students can play a vital role along with commoners. Say "No" to battery -run rickshaw.

The writer is an, invigilator, Exams Services, British Council, Dhaka