Md. Jamal Hossain
Occupation: Rickshaw Puller
District: Shariatpur
“Rickshaw Drivers in Dhaka Plead for Support Amidst Economic Challenges in 2024”
My name is Jamal Hossain, and I hail from the town of Shariatpur. For the past five years, I have been navigating the bustling streets of Dhaka as a Rickshaw Puller. The year 2023 has been a mix of highs and lows, shaping my experiences on the roads of the capital city.
One of the most challenging aspects of this year has been the encounters with traffic police. When caught, they don’t just issue fines but also demand a significant portion of our hard-earned money. This puts an additional burden on our already challenging lives, making it difficult to make ends meet. The struggle is exacerbated by the rising prices of goods, which diminishes the value of the money we earn. Providing for our families has become an uphill battle, given the economic challenges we face.
As we step into 2024, my fellow rickshaw drivers and I harbor hopes for positive changes. We earnestly wish for the support of the traffic police, hoping that they understand the difficulties we face and work with us rather than against us. Additionally, we appeal to the government to address the soaring prices of essential goods, as it directly impacts our ability to sustain our families. A moderate increase in rickshaw fares would go a long way in alleviating our financial struggles and improving our living standards.
Our humble request to the government is to stand by us, the rickshaw pullers, and consider our plight. By extending a helping hand, the authorities can make a significant impact on our lives, ensuring a more prosperous and stable future for us and our families.
In closing, I express my gratitude to everyone and wish you all a Happy New Year. May the coming year bring positive changes and brighter prospects for each one of us.
