Secretary prods BSTI to set standards for electric rickshaws amid protests

She made the comments amid widespread protests by electric rickshaw drivers and owners in Dhaka against a ban on the three-wheelers in the capital

Citing Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s directives, Industries Secretary Zakia Sultana has asked the Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution to consider developing standards for battery-powered rickshaws.

She made the call at a discussion at the BSTI headquarters in Tejgaon, where Industries Minister Nurul Majid Mahmud Humayun lamented the institution’s failure to build sufficient capacity to control the quality of food and commodities.

Zakia said the electric rickshaw drivers are often seen operating their vehicles hands-free with their feet resting above the crossbar.

“This can lead to accidents, which will be horrific on the highways,” she said.

“But around 2 million battery-run rickshaws ply the streets of Bangladesh. Shall we take away their livelihoods? That’s not what we want. We can set standards for these,” Zakia said.

Electric rickshaws operate in many other countries and that is why the prime minister emphasises setting standards for these in Bangladesh – such as fixing the weight, the secretary said.

“Many families depend on these. If they get clear guidelines, they may follow them. I told the BSTI director general to do it, if possible,” she said.

Secretary Zakia made the comments against the backdrop of massive protests by electric rickshaw drivers and owners in Dhaka against a ban on these three-wheelers in the capital. Earlier in the day, the protests forced the government to make a U-turn and allow them back on Dhaka's streets.

Industries Minister Nurul Majid said BSTI lacks the capacity to deliver prompt services efficiently.

“We need to increase laboratories and manpower so that businesses do not face disruptions. A skilled workforce is required for every work, including export and import businesses.”