The Dhaka Metropolitan Police's Traffic Division announced on Saturday that battery-run autorickshaws and other slow-moving vehicles will be prohibited from operating on main roads within the city.
Addressing reporters at the DMP media centre, Joint Commissioner (Traffic-South) SM Mehedi Hasan emphasised the decision, stating, "Autorickshaws are not permitted on main roads, despite recent allowances made by the prime minister in consideration of humanitarian aspects."
Mehedi Hasan clarified that drivers are being informed that these vehicles must operate exclusively on smaller feeder roads and alleys. "We have begun identifying specific roads in areas like Dhanmondi for these vehicles. In Mirpur, autorickshaws are already off the main roads," he added.
Responding to queries about hawker evictions, Mehedi mentioned, "We have successfully cleared the footpaths of hawkers in certain areas.
However, there are instances of them returning."
He reiterated, "Footpaths are designated solely for pedestrians. Efforts are ongoing to prevent hawkers from reclaiming cleared pavements."
