Battery-run rickshaws to be banned in Dhaka

Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader on Wednesday ordered the authorities to take steps so that the battery-run rickshaws cannot ply roads in Dhaka city.

He said: "No battery-run three-wheeler should operate in Dhaka city. We have already banned these vehicles on 22 highways. Measures must be implemented to ensure compliance with this directive."

Quader made these remarks while attending a meeting at the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) office in the capital’s Banani area on Wednesday.

• Top court: No battery-run three-wheelers on highways

Previously, the mayors of both Dhaka city corporations had agreed to prohibit movement of battery-run rickshaws within the city.

During the meeting, Dhaka South City Corporation Mayor Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh expressed concern about rickshaw drivers speeding recklessly.

He highlighted the risks posed, particularly to visually impaired individuals and those with disabilities.

• Government to ban battery-run rickshaws, vans

Similarly, Dhaka North City Corporation Mayor Md Atiqul Islam said: “It is necessary to come to a decision that easybikes or autorickshaws will not run in Dhaka as the vehicles pose serious risks.”