Battery-powered autorickshaws have been banned from operating on Dhaka's main roads, as Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) Administrator Mohammad Azaz announced a crackdown on Tuesday on the illegal three-wheelers, along with plans to shut down the workshops producing them and their associated charging points.
The announcement came during a joint operation conducted by the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) and the DNCC in the Dhanmondi area of the capital.
During the drive, around 30 battery-powered rickshaws operating on main roads were seized.
At the time, several drivers broke down in tears, with some collapsing to the ground after losing their vehicle.
The DNCC administrator said: “Battery-powered autorickshaws are responsible for 20% of road accidents. Due to their uncontrolled speed and lack of compliance with regulations, pedestrians, particularly women and children, are affected.”
He added that the government has already taken measures to prevent accidents and restore discipline on the roads.
With assistance from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (Buet), a safe design for battery-powered rickshaws has been prepared and a few approved companies have been authorized to manufacture them, the official said.
The DNCC administrator further said: “Training programs for rickshaw drivers will begin within this month. After completing the training, qualified drivers will be issued valid licences. Rickshaws produced by approved companies will be allowed to operate in designated areas.”
He said that to reduce passenger inconvenience, rickshaw fares will be standardized and each rickshaw licence will be issued based on a National Identity Card (NID).
