Govt to bring battery rickshaws under rules

The government will formulate a policy soon to regulate the movement of battery-run rickshaws on major roads and highways in Dhaka, Information and Broadcasting Adviser Dr Zahed Ur Rahman said on Tuesday.

The proposed policy will determine where and to what extent battery-run rickshaws can operate, along with standards for the vehicles, technical safety requirements and training for drivers.

Speaking at a press briefing at the Secretariat on the progress of government activities, Zahed said the growing presence of battery-run rickshaws on major roads has brought some convenience but has also contributed to traffic congestion and raised concerns over driver training and vehicle safety.

He said the government expects the new policy to establish a more organised system for regulating the vehicles.

Battery-run rickshaws (“Bangla Teslas”) have caused a rising number of serious accidents in Dhaka due to reckless driving, high speeds, and unstable builds.

Battery-run rickshaws are considered risky primarily due to unregulated high speeds, weak braking systems, and structural instability that lead to a high frequency of severe road accidents.