Remove battery-run auto-rickshaws from N'ganj city

The High Court yesterday directed the government to immediately remove battery-run auto-rickshaws from the roads and highways in Narayanganj City Corporation area as they are running without licenses.

Responding to a writ petition filed by five rickshaw traders challenging the legality of plying of battery-run auto-rickshaws in NCC area, it also issued a rule asking the authorities concerned of the government to explain in four weeks  why their inaction in removing those vehicles should not be declared illegal.

Secretary and deputy secretary concerned of the LGRD ministry, mayor and chief executive of NCC, deputy commissioner and superintendent of police of Narayanganj, and officers-in-charge of Narayanganj, Fatullah and Siddhirganj police stations of the district have been made respondents to the rule.  

Citing from the petition, Saurav Karmakar, a lawyer for the petitioners, said battery-run auto-rickshaw is not a registered vehicle and their drivers have no licenses.

Road accidents have increased due to plying of such vehicles in NCC areas, he said, adding that the LGRD ministry on August 2 has decided to continue its ban on these vehicles.