Amid the ongoing movement by battery-driven autorickshaw drivers, the government has finally decided to legalize these vehicles across the country.
In a Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the decision was made to legalize these semi-automatic and electric battery-driven passenger carriers nationwide.
Quoting the premier after the meeting, Cabinet Secretary Mahbub Hossain said that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina instructed the regulation of autorickshaw drivers.
The Cabinet Secretary mentioned that the prime minister was unaware of the ban on the movement of battery-run autorickshaws on various roads and highways, including those in the capital.
The prime minister described the ban as inhuman, considering its impact on livelihoods. Consequently, she ordered the withdrawal of the ban on autorickshaw movement.
Earlier, immediately following the Cabinet meeting, Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader announced that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had allowed battery-run autorickshaws to operate on the roads in Dhaka.
The minister stated that the prime minister's decision was motivated by the hardships faced by low-income people and rising inflation.
However, he added that the autorickshaws would not be allowed to operate on highways.
Previously, autorickshaw drivers had gathered in front of the National Press Club and threatened to stage a nationwide protest on May 27 if their demands were not met.
Their seven-point demand included the removal of the ban on three-wheelers, the registration of battery-run vehicles, and the issuance of route permits and licenses.
What’s in the plan?
According to sources from the Cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina instructed the Ministry of Road Transport and the Ministry of Home Affairs to formulate a policy for battery-driven rickshaws within a short period.
When asked, Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Faruk Khan told Dhaka Tribune: "A policy is in the works to legalize battery-driven autorickshaws across the country. The upcoming policy will cover vehicle types, vehicle design, and driver training."
Currently, battery-run autorickshaws are rampant on almost every road in the country, hindering the speed of other vehicles and contributing to numerous road accidents due to unskilled drivers and unscientific vehicle designs.
The Cabinet has emphasized driver training and agreed to set a speed limit for autorickshaws.
Additionally, there will be guidelines specifying which areas or roads these autorickshaws can operate on with passengers.
Current scenario in Bangladesh
Currently, more than one million electric battery-driven autorickshaws are operating across the country.
Local rickshaw makers and automobile manufacturers are producing these vehicles in their workshops by installing rechargeable electric batteries as fuel.
In many upazilas and grassroots levels, the Upazila Parishad and Union Parishad have issued licences for these vehicles to maximize their income, but this has not been legalized centrally.
Typically, an autorickshaw, popularly known as an "Easybike," requires four to five 12-volt batteries.
On average, 800 to 1100 watts of electricity are consumed per set of battery charges.
An autorickshaw can usually run for 12-14 hours after charging its battery for 5 to 6 hours, either day or night.
Old batteries consume more electricity than new battery sets.
Experts in this sector estimate that, on average, 1,000 units of electricity are being consumed daily due to these one million battery-run autorickshaws.
Since there are no fixed charging points, most auto rickshaws are charged at their owners' garages, often using illegal electricity lines.
However, State Minister for Power Nasrul Hamid has referred to the battery-run autorickshaws made with Bangladeshi technology as the “Tesla of Bangla” in parliament. He mentioned that the government plans to transition the auto rickshaws from lead batteries to lithium batteries to make them more power-efficient.
The state minister also said that the Power Division has created a policy to establish electric vehicle charging stations. According to this policy, anyone can set up a charging station.
What do the experts say?
While speaking with Dhaka Tribune on Monday, Md Hadiuzzaman, a communication expert and former director of Buet's Accident Research Institute, emphasized the need for a sustainable, long-term, and holistic policy before legalizing battery-run autorickshaws.
He said: “There are several major issues to address properly, but the primary concerns are the technical specification policy, battery disposal policy, and route permit policy.”
He explained: “Currently, almost 30 types of battery-run vehicles are operating across the country under different names. First, the government should develop a policy with technical specifications to ensure these vehicles are safe for passengers. The mechanical systems, especially the braking system and lights, must be upgraded and specified. Additionally, an efficient charging system is mandatory.”
He further stressed that the authorities must introduce a battery disposal plan from the outset to protect the environment.
Moreover, he noted that route permission, the vehicle and driver registration process, driver training, and driving licenses are also essential before legalizing these vehicles.
Cases and arrests
At least four cases were filed against over 2,500 autorickshaw drivers over Sunday’s clashes.
Deputy Commissioner (DC) of DMP Mirpur Division Jasim Uddin Molla said that two cases were filed at Pallabi police station, one at Kafrul police station, and one at Mirpur Model police station.
These cases allege obstruction of police work, vandalism, arson, and attacks on police during the daylong protest.
Some 42 people were sent to jail on Monday in connection with the cases.
