Published : 14 Aug 2024, 11:17 PM
Updated : 21 Aug 2026, 11:31 AM
The Bangladesh Road Transport Authority has issued a notice banning battery-run rickshaws, van rickshaws, and other three-wheelers from the streets of Dhaka, claiming it will reduce the number of accidents.
“Due to the movement of battery or motorised rickshaws, van rickshaws and similar three-wheelers in the Dhaka metropolis, the road safety situation is deteriorating,” the BRTA said in a notice on Sunday. “According to the Road Transport Act 2018, it is a punishable offense to drive a battery/rickshaw or van or such three-wheeler and an unfit, discoloured, dilapidated and rickety motor vehicle.”
“Under the circumstances, it is requested to stop the plying of battery/rickshaws, vans or similar such three-wheelers and unfit, discoloured, dilapidated and rickety motor vehicles in Dhaka city."
The BRTA has also said that legal action will be taken against those who violate the restriction.
Meanwhile, on Sunday, drivers and traders protested in Mirpur-10 against the recent police operation to remove battery-powered rickshaws from the road.
Jashim Uddin, Deputy Commissioner of Traffic Mirpur Division of Dhaka Metropolitan Police, said that apart from attacking some buses, the protesters also beat some drivers of pedal rickshaws.
Electric three-wheelers in Bangladesh are known by various names including auto and Easybike. Battery-powered rickshaws have become popular among drivers as an alternative to pedal rickshaws in the country as it eases physical exertion. But these light, low-speed vehicles are getting into accidents almost every day.
In this situation, there have been demands to block them from operating on various main roads.
Last Wednesday, Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader said that no battery-operated rickshaws will be allowed on the roads of Dhaka.
Quader said, "We have banned them on 22 highways. Not only should they be banned, measures should be taken so that they cannot continue to operate."
He blamed the vehicles for causing accidents.
The two mayors of the Dhaka North and Dhaka South city corporations also approved the removal of the battery-run three-wheelers from the streets.
The Rickshaw, Battery Rickshaw-Van and Easybike Sangram Parishad has called a rally and protest march in front of the Jatiya Press Club on Monday demanding the withdrawal of the ban on battery-powered rickshaws in the capital, according to a press release from the organisation.
