Battery-run rickshaws wreck havoc on Dhaka streets

Jahid Hossain :

City residents face increasing risks on the streets of Dhaka as battery-powered rickshaws continue to flood the roads, exacerbating an already chaotic traffic situation. These vehicles have become ubiquitous in the capital following the collapse of law enforcement after the fall of the previous government.
The streets of Dhaka have become increasingly perilous as battery-powered rickshaws continue to dominate the roads, leading to a sharp rise in traffic chaos and accidents. These vehicles, which have surged in numbers following the collapse of law enforcement after the previous government’s fall, are posing serious risks to public safety.
Since the breakdown of order after August 5, students took the initiative to manage traffic in the city temporarily. Despite their efforts, unauthorized battery-run rickshaws continued to operate on major roads. The traffic police eventually returned to their duties, but the influx of these rickshaws remains unchecked.
The streets of Dhaka have become hazardous as these rickshaws are often driven by untrained operators who ignore traffic rules, drive against traffic, and make sudden turns without warning, endangering pedestrians and other vehicles. Foot-powered rickshaw drivers have also expressed frustration, staging protests to halt the movement of battery-operated rickshaws.
The issue has been discussed at various levels of authority, but no effective measures have been implemented to control the growing number of battery-run rickshaws. On May 15, during the first meeting of the Road Transport Advisory Council held at the BRTA building, a decision was announced to ban battery-powered rickshaws from Dhaka’s roads. However, drivers and garage owners protested by blocking roads, resulting in clashes with law enforcement agencies and leaving several people injured.
Despite these efforts, the number of battery-operated rickshaws continues to increase. A survey conducted by The New Nation revealed that areas such as Mirpur, Dhanmondi, Shyamoli, Mohakhali, Badda, Gulistan, and Sadarghat are particularly affected, with rickshaws operating on nearly all major roads. These vehicles often cut in front of faster-moving cars and buses, making the streets more dangerous.
A pedestrian told The New Nation, “We are scared because of the overtaking tendencies of battery-run rickshaws. Their disregard for traffic rules is contributing to the rising number of road accidents in Dhaka.”
As concerns mount, city dwellers hope for swift and decisive action from the authorities to restore order on the roads and ensure the safety of all.

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