Bangladesh, Sept. 12 -- Since Dhaka authorities launched localised bans on electric rickshaws, the capital has been plunged into a testy stand-off. Drivers of the vehicles -- under the banner of Jatiya Rickshaw O Van Driver Shakti -- have paralysed major thoroughfares to push for greater access to the city's streets.

Despite continuous civic protests, repeated High Court injunctions, and high-profile eviction drives, the electric rickshaw remains a stubborn, immovable feature of Dhaka's roads.

To me, it brings to mind a common saying on the streets of our capital, "Shomossha Nai". The phrase comes casually to the mouths of people from all walks of life. Once harmless, it has now become a damning indictment of our collective civic consc...