The government has filed an appeal with the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court, seeking a suspension of the High Court’s directive to ban battery-powered rickshaws and auto-rickshaws in Dhaka.
The appeal was submitted on Monday, November 25, to the relevant branch of the Appellate Division. According to the Attorney General’s office, a hearing on the appeal is likely to take place today in the Chamber Judge’s court. Deputy Attorney General Nur Muhammad Azmi confirmed the matter.
Earlier, on November 19, the High Court ordered a halt to the operation of battery-powered rickshaws in Dhaka within three days. The court also issued a rule questioning why the inaction of the authorities in banning these rickshaws should not be deemed illegal. The bench, comprising Justice Fatema Najib and Justice Shikdar Md. Razi, issued this order in response to a writ petition.
The writ petition was filed by Jahurul Islam Masum, President of the Greater Dhaka City Corporation Pedal Rickshaw Owners Association, and its Secretary, Md. Momin Ali. They sought a ban on battery-powered rickshaws in Dhaka.
Following the High Court’s directive, rickshaw drivers have staged protests and blockades across the city, opposing the ban. These demonstrations have led to clashes with law enforcement authorities.
