The High Court has ordered the authorities to remove all battery-run rickshaws from the streets of Dhaka within three days, highlighting the increasing traffic congestion, road accidents, and safety hazards caused by their rising numbers. 

The court Tuesday issued the directive after a hearing on a writ petition filed by a group of paddle-run rickshaw owners, who argued that the unregulated growth of battery-run rickshaws exacerbates road chaos and endangers public safety.

A bench of Justice Fatema Najib and Justice Sikder Mahmudur Razi instructed key authorities, including the Home Secretary, LGRD Secretary, Inspector General of Police, and Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner, to enforce the order. Additionally, the court issued a rule, questioning why the authorities' failure to act against these vehicles should not be deemed illegal.

The growing presence of battery-run rickshaws has raised concerns over the worsening traffic conditions in the capital, where limited road space and increased congestion are already significant challenges.

Critics argue that these rickshaws, often operating without adequate regulation, contribute to accidents and hinder the smooth flow of traffic.