Rickshaws- should we continue this way?
Well, I didn't think I would have to write so soon again on this topic. But my friend Mr. Sikander (thanks to him for considering me a friend) has once more compelled me to write back. Before I continue, I would like to request Mr. Sikander to look at the front page picture of the Daily Ittefaq dated November 6, 09 with the caption “City's busiest road Dainik Bangla crossing is almost obstructed due to rickshaws” which perhaps will bring him to reality and the nuisance rickshaws are creating in our city.
In his letter dated November 4, 2009 in The Daily Star he mentioned that rickshaws are “'invisible' on Airport, Mirpur, Mohakhaki, Gulshan and other roads that have been rickshaw-free for years”. Now let us be honest. Can any one of us say that ANY road is rickshaw-free in the 'real' sense in Dhaka? One of the main reasons for sudden unexplainable traffic jams are due to one or more rickshaw pullers' dangerous stunt in the middle of the road and most of the time in the wrong direction charging towards oncoming traffic in flying speeds with NO regard for traffic law or the safety of others around. So, let us not fool ourselves. No road in Dhaka is purely rickshaw-free at the moment.
Yes, once again I would like to point out that I was utterly shocked to see the article by Prof. Rabbani who suggested taking cars off the roads and replacing them with rickshaws. Let me ask with due respect, does every citizen of this country not have the right to go where he pleases in the safest form of transport available to him? If we say yes, then given the reality of the public transport system of our city, how can we justifiably force people off the street who are riding on anything but rickshaws? I am sure ALL of us (or most of us) if given a car for free and advised not to use rickshaws, anyone would gladly accept. And no one will then be bragging about the non-polluting (air only) nature of rickshaws.
Rickshaws have systematically made the people of our nation more inclined to disobey laws as we got so used to riding rickshaws who obey NO ONE. See, the point here is simple. We must recognize that rickshaw is an outdated vehicle and it is extremely dangerous. Moreover, it is inhumane to keep these poor people in misery for our own comfort. This is not a profession for a human being. We must take steps immediately to bring an end to the rickshaw-era. I am personally confident and certain that despite some people's argument in favour of rickshaws, it will very soon be a thing of the past. All I am vowing for is how soon we can start the process. And surely we are to move forward which involves removal of rickshaws and I am sure Mr. Sikander also agrees that it is the only option.
As for the government plans for building a transport network to include metro, elevated highways etc., it is to be applauded. Surely, there has to a beginning if we want to have a finishing. In the long run that is the forward way.
I agree that Dhaka city does not have the capacity to hold such huge number of vehicles. And precisely, Mr. Sikander has himself mentioned that a 50 kg cement bag cannot hold 100 kgs of cement. For that very reason our roads cannot carry the burden of irresponsible, reckless, and countless number or rickshaws in its limited road space.
To Mr. Sikander and anyone who agrees with him, I would like to politely request once more, let us be sensible and think of our future generations. We have the responsibility to build a better world for them. If we all do our bit, it will all add up. We really have no option but to do without rickshaws.
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