DNCC provides financial aid to 3 auto-rickshaw drivers

The Dhaka North City Corporation has extended financial assistance to three rickshaw drivers whose vehicles were damaged during a recent joint drive by the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) and DNCC to enforce the ban on battery-operated rickshaws on major city roads.

The operation, conducted on Tuesday in the capital's Asad Gate area, saw several battery-powered rickshaws seized, with some being dismantled on the spot.

Following media coverage highlighting the suffering of the affected drivers, DNCC Administrator Mohammad Azaz today handed over Tk 50,000 each in aid to three affected drivers -- Md Khalil, Russel Mia, and Suman Mridha -- at the DNCC office.

Azaz said, "This compensation has been provided on humanitarian grounds. However, such support will not be repeated. Those who rely on illegal battery-run rickshaws must now look for alternative sources of income. No rickshaw will be allowed on Dhaka's main roads."

He also instructed the regional executive officer of DNCC Zone-5 to assist the three drivers in finding employment.

Azaz said, "The government has approved several companies to manufacture BUET-certified battery rickshaws. Training is also being arranged for drivers to help them shift to legal, safer alternatives."

He said BRAC has undertaken an initiative to train around 100,000 rickshaw drivers, with the programme set to begin later this month.