Rickshaw-pullers and their constitutional rights
Engr. SH Kaiser, Dhanmondi R/A, Dhaka
The proposed withdrawal of rickshaws from city roads will definitely improve the traffic movement in the main thorough fares of Dhaka city. This long-awaited step, if implemented successfully, will undoubtedly be appreciated by city dwellers. However, a limited number of rickshaws may be allowed to ply inside the residential areas without causing any hindrances to the movement of traffic in the main roads.The rickshaw-pullers may be rehabilitated by taking following steps: 1) Providing khas lands with the initial help that would help them to earn a living. 2) Encourage them to take the rickshaws to rural areas with initial monetary help. 3) Put them to coastal areas for plantations and to protect our coastal belt. 4) Use them to build mangrove forest in the coastal belt, wherever possible. 5) Engage them for development of fisheries in the water bodies belonging to the government i.e. haor, beels, ponds, etc. Hope the government would take suggestions from all sections of the public to findout proper, necessary, practicable steps to rehabilitate affected rickshaw-pullers. Anything less will tantamount to the violation of their constitutional rights to work and live as free citizens of this country.
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