Published : 28 Nov 2024, 06:37 AM
Updated : 28 Aug 2026, 01:14 AM
Battery-powered rickshaws will no longer operate on Dhaka's major roads after owners and operators have agreed to a police proposal.
The decision was made during a meeting with Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sheikh Md Sajjat Ali on Wednesday, said Additional Commissioner Md Obaidur Rahman.
He added that the meeting included battery-powered drivers, owners, garage owners, and the Rickshaw-Van-Easybike Workers' Union representatives.
Following the meeting, Ariful Islam Nadim, joint general secretary of the union, told journalists: "We have agreed with the police proposal to restrict battery-powered rickshaws from plying main roads where buses operate."
However, Nadim added that the police have “no objections” to these rickshaws operating on roads alongside Beribandh or embankments.
“Authorities also requested that no new battery rickshaws hit the streets and that measures are taken to prevent such vehicles from entering Dhaka from outside,” Nadim said, adding that strict police action would help enforce the decisions.
Despite lacking legal approval, battery-powered rickshaws have been operating in Dhaka’s alleyways for years.
However, they began appearing on major city roads recently, particularly after anti-government protests disrupted regular traffic.
In response to concerns raised by licensed pedal rickshaw owners, the High Court on Nov 19 ordered the cessation of battery-powered rickshaw operations in Dhaka within three days.
The directive was addressed to officials, including the home secretary, local government secretary, inspector general of police, Dhaka Metropolitan Police commissioner, and authorities of the two city corporations.
The High Court also issued a rule asking why the authorities' inaction in regulating these rickshaws should not be declared illegal.
The court order triggered daily protests by battery rickshaw drivers, causing significant public disruptions and occasional clashes.
The government appealed the High Court’s decision, and on Nov 25, Appellate Division chamber judge Justice Md Rezaul Haque imposed a one-month status quo. The court also ordered the High Court to resolve the pending matter within a month.
After the chamber court’s decision, the DMP invited stakeholders for discussions.
At the meeting, the DMP commissioner emphasised that battery-powered rickshaws would no longer be permitted on major roads but could operate on smaller streets.
He urged strict compliance with traffic laws and sought cooperation from all parties to maintain order on the roads.
Nadim later said that the union advised the police to enforce strict checks at entry points like Postogola Bridge, Babubazar Bridge, and Tongi Road to prevent unauthorised vehicles from entering Dhaka.
A liaison committee will be formed at the zonal level in Dhaka to monitor the implementation of these measures, Nadim added.
