The drivers of battery-powered rickshaws blocked roads in different parts of the capital on Thursday morning, protesting a ban on their movement in city streets.

The roads include Mohakhali, Basila Dhaka Uddyan, Mirpur-10, Mirpur-12, Kazipara, Shewrapara and Mirpur Golchattar and Agargaon areas of the capital, reported UNB.

Commuters have been experiencing a gridlock in different parts of the capital following the blockade programme.

Besides, the rail communication between Dhaka and other parts of the country got snapped as the protesting drivers blocked the rail tracks in Mohakhali area at the same time, causing immense sufferings to travellers.

Meanwhile, a huge crowd was seen on the metro rail as people gathered in metro rail stations to reach their respective destinations due to the sudden chaos on the streets of the capital.

On Tuesday, the High Court ordered halting plying of battery-run rickshaws in Dhaka city within three days.

Md Russel, officer-in-charge of Banani Police Station, said the rickshaw-pullers took to the streets around 9 am at Mohakhali intersection, halting vehicular movement.

Later, they blocked the level crossing at Mohakhali, causing immense sufferings to the commuters.

Protesting the HC order, they staged demonstrations in Mohakhali, Mirpur, Shewrapara and Kazipara areas, halting vehicular movement.

Tania, assistant commissioner of Pallabi zone, said the drivers of battery-run rickshaws brought out processions in Mirpur-10, Kazipara and Shewrapara areas protesting the HC ban.

Later, they gathered in Mirpur-10 Golchattar area and Rokeya Sharani and put up barricades on the roads.

People of these areas are experiencing severe traffic congestion following the blockade.

Nearly, 10 lakh rickshaws are moving in Dhaka city and a large portion of which is battery-powered. Many old pedal-driven rickshaws are being fitted with batteries to make them mechanical.