Editorial
Violence by rickshaw pullers
We condemn vandalism
Hundreds of rickshaw pullers went on a rampage on Monday over the authorities' move to take the three-wheelers off some more roads. The damage was immense. Private cars, CNG-driven scooters and buses all came under the wrath of the mob. It was one more instance of the violence which seems to be turning into something of a defining feature for us. In nearly every sector of life, the response to issues is these days swift, violent action, with little regard for citizens who may be going about their daily business on the streets. On Monday, school students, people going to work and others found, to their terror, that they were caught in the melee.
We condemn the vandalism that the rickshaw pullers resorted to on Monday. Of course, we understand perfectly the reasons behind such an expression of frustration on their part. But had they gone for a peaceful mode of protest, they would have only made their case that much stronger. Having said that, we feel that by putting rickshaws off certain streets as a way of easing traffic congestion in the capital the authorities have acted without considering the ramifications of their move. For their part, they inform people that the decision on making some more roads rickshaw-free was taken earlier and adequate notice had already been given about it. However, it is our view that in such conditions, notices must be repeated as a way of preparing those affected for the eventuality.
The question now concerns the thousands of middle class people for whom the rickshaw is the easiest mode of transport. There is also the issue of livelihood of many connected with this mode of transport.
To be sure, it is mind-boggling that Dhaka roads are clogged with rickshaws. Where there are a mere one lakh rickshaws plying legally, ten times that number are out there without proper documents. It is for the authorities to explain how that has come to be and how the illegal rickshaws can be phased out.
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