TDS Desk:

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said that autorickshaw drivers will be brought under a rule following a regulation.

The drivers will be trained. Roads and speed limits will be specified for these vehicles, said the prime minister.

She said that she was not aware of the ban on the operation of battery-run autorickshaws on various roads and highways, including the capital. It was not an appropriate decision to ban autorickshaws without making appropriate decision for the drivers.

The premier said these things at Cabinet meeting held at PM’s office on Monday.

Sheikh Hasina presided over the meeting.

After the meeting, Cabinet Secretary Mahbub Hossain gave this information to the reporters at the Secretariat.

The cabinet secretary said that the prime minister was not aware of the ban on the movement of battery-run autorickshaws on various roads and highways including the capital. The prime minister also termed the decision as inhumane for the sake of thier livelihood. That is why the prime minister has ordered to withdraw the ban on autorickshaw movement.

Referring to the instructions of the prime minister, the secretary also said that a policy and regulatory body should be formed to control the movement of autorickshaws.

Along with this, the prime minister also asked to train the drivers and design the autorickshaws.

Earlier, Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader said that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has allowed battery-run autorickshaws to ply the roads in Dhaka.

He made the announcement while speaking at a program at Bangabandhu Avenue on Monday afternoon.

The minister said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has ordered autorickshaws to ply the roads considering the sufferings of the low-income people and inflation.

PM allows battery-run autorickshaws to ply Dhaka roadsPM allows battery-run autorickshaws to ply Dhaka roads

However, the autorickshaws will not ply the highways, he added.

Earlier, autorickshaw drivers gathered in front of the National Press Club and threatened to stage a nationwide protest on May 27, if their demands were not met.

They placed a seven-point demand that included the removal of the ban on three-wheelers, the registration of battery-run vehicles, and route permits and licenses.