Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) Administrator Abdus Salam has said that a policy is being prepared to regulate illegal battery-powered rickshaws and remove encroachments from pavements.
He made the remarks while chairing an important discussion meeting on easing traffic congestion and reducing public suffering in the capital, held on Tuesday at the DSCC headquarters. Representatives of the “Bangladesh Rickshaw–Van and Battery-Driven Rickshaw–Van Owners Federation” attended the meeting.
Abdus Salam said that under the proposed policy, a limited number of rickshaws with specified designs, speed limits and safety standards would be allowed to operate on roads to prevent disorder. He also urged genuine rickshaw drivers and owners outside Dhaka to speak out against those illegally operating battery-powered rickshaws for business purposes.
The DSCC administrator noted that while the rickshaw is part of Dhaka’s heritage, illegal battery-powered rickshaws have now become a major hazard for citizens. He said the government is working to remove both illegal rickshaws and pavement encroachments, adding that the new policy will seek to balance public inconvenience with livelihoods.
He also highlighted that around 212,000 pedal-powered rickshaws and vans were registered under DSCC in 2021. However, the rapid increase in unregistered and illegal battery-operated rickshaws has intensified traffic congestion and raised safety concerns for city residents.
Federation leaders at the meeting said that due to the dominance of illegal battery rickshaws, pedal-powered rickshaws are on the verge of extinction, with many drivers no longer interested in operating them. Some owners have reportedly attached batteries to licensed pedal rickshaw frames. They demanded that such modified rickshaws be brought under the new policy framework for legal recognition.
They also called for action against seasonal rickshaw operators and traders, insisting that only registered owners and drivers should be allowed to operate in the capital.
The meeting was attended by DSCC Chief Executive Officer Md Zahirul Islam and other senior officials.
