According to sources, in Sreemangal, a prominent tourist destination, over 5,000 battery-powered auto-rickshaws have flooded the streets, causing the traffic system to collapse.
Reckless driving by battery-powered rickshaw operators has led to frequent accidents, with domestic and international tourists often sustaining serious injuries.
The traffic police, limited in number, are struggling to manage the situation, while drivers exploit the chaos to charge exorbitant fares to tourists.
Additionally, encroachments on footpaths by shops and stalls have made pedestrian movement extremely difficult.
The vehicles move recklessly day and night, causing severe traffic congestion, often lasting for hours.
The main roads of the city, including Moulvibazar Road, Habiganj Road, Station Road, Bhanugach Road, and College Road, are all affected.
A field visit revealed persistent traffic jams in areas such as Sreemangal Road, Central Road, and Kusumbag in Moulvibazar town from mid-morning until late at night.
Similarly, Habiganj Road and Sagardighi Road in Sreemangal town experience severe congestion after midday.
The divider system at the town's busiest intersection, Choumuna, has been proven ineffective in managing vehicle pressure.
Meanwhile, battery-operated rickshaws have flooded the municipal areas of Kulaura and Shamshernagar in Kamalganj upazila.
Concerned citizens suggest that to maintain a traffic-free city, law enforcement must ensure that vehicles, including CNG auto-rickshaws, private cars, buses, and trucks, do not park haphazardly on roadsides.
The municipal licensing department has confirmed that no licences have been issued for battery-powered auto-rickshaws.
Sreemangal Municipal Executive Engineer Md Zahirul Islam said that action would be taken against illegal vehicles.
Superintendent of Police for Moulvibazar, MKH Jahangir Hossain, said: "Illegal auto-rickshaws are being seized. However, due to the tourist season, vehicle pressure remains high."
He added: “Traffic management is being disrupted by illegal activities such as unauthorised CNG-powered auto-rickshaws, reckless drivers, illegal sirens causing noise pollution, and motorbike and private car rallies. Ongoing drives on various roads aim to curb these issues.”
Sreemangal Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md Islam Uddin acknowledged the issue, saying: "The matter has been brought to the Deputy Commissioner's attention, and several meetings have been held to bring these battery-powered rickshaws under control."
He further said: "Administrative efforts face challenges due to the influence of some local representatives, but we will soon conduct drives to regulate the situation."
Truck, Lorry, and Covered Van Association President Nuru Mia and Pickup Workers’ Union General Secretary Mishir Ali alleged that despite paying taxes of Tk30,000–40,000 annually, they face police cases for minor paperwork issues.
Meanwhile, the completely illegal battery-operated rickshaws continue operating unchecked, threatening their livelihoods.
They also pointed out that these Tomtoms carry goods equivalent to 5–6 sacks, which are meant for pickup vans, depriving them of their rightful work.
They demanded the immediate removal of these illegal vehicles to reduce congestion and ensure fair competition.
