“I Won’t Pay My Car Tax If Battery Rickshaws Operate on Main Roads”: Chomok

Rukaya Jahan Chomok, a popular television actress, has expressed her frustration over battery-operated rickshaws operating on Dhaka’s main roads.

On the night of Saturday, 29 August, at around 10 PM, Chomok posted on her personal Facebook account: “If battery-operated rickshaws continue running on the main roads, I will not pay my car tax from next year.”

This statement quickly went viral, sparking widespread discussion and debate across social media platforms.

The post has generated varied responses:

• Supporters argue that battery-operated rickshaws contribute significantly to traffic congestion. They also note that these rickshaws are prone to accidents, posing risks to the general public.
• Some users emphasise that unless rickshaw movement on main roads is properly regulated, traffic conditions in the capital will worsen further.
• Others blame the government for failing to provide proper alternatives. They suggest that measures should be taken to ensure public safety and traffic management without harming rickshaw operators’ livelihoods.

Summary Table: Key Points

Chomok’s statement has ignited a broader conversation about urban traffic management in Dhaka, highlighting the challenges of balancing public convenience, safety, and the livelihoods of rickshaw operators.