Muhammad Noora Alam: In Dhaka and other parts of the country, drivers of battery-powered rickshaws have taken to the streets to protest the government’s decision to ban these vehicles. Their anger isn’t just against the authorities but also reflects a desperate plea to protect their livelihoods. For many, these rickshaws are not only a source of income but also a reliable means of transportation. This raises the pressing question—how can this crisis be resolved?
The Rise of Battery-Powered Rickshaws and the Problem
Over the past decade, battery-powered rickshaws have transformed transportation in rural and urban areas of Bangladesh. Nearly 90% of rural rickshaw drivers and 80% in Dhaka now use these electric vehicles. They are easy to operate, require minimal maintenance, and don’t require advanced driving skills. As a result, they have become a popular choice for daily commuters and middle-income earners.
However, their popularity has created problems, especially in Dhaka. These rickshaws are seen as a major contributor to traffic jams. Drivers often break traffic rules, use the wrong lanes, and even venture onto highways and flyovers, increasing the risk of accidents.
Government Efforts and Failures
The government has long maintained that only individuals with physical disabilities should be allowed to operate these vehicles. However, this policy has never been properly enforced. From the beginning, there was no strict system for registering or regulating battery-powered rickshaws. If the government had implemented clear policies for driver licensing and physical fitness, today’s chaos could have been avoided.
Now, as the government tries to enforce a ban, protests have erupted. Drivers and owners argue that the decision directly threatens their livelihoods and families.
The Bigger Picture of Mismanagement
The issue with battery-powered rickshaws highlights a larger problem in Bangladesh’s transportation management. Roads in the country are often in disrepair, and construction or maintenance work frequently begins just months after repairs are completed. In developed countries, different agencies coordinate their work to avoid such conflicts. However, in Bangladesh, this lack of coordination has resulted in repeated delays and inefficiencies in road management.
This disorganized system makes it difficult to resolve transportation issues quickly, including the current rickshaw crisis.
Possible Solutions and Future Plans
Banning battery-powered rickshaws outright isn’t a practical solution at the moment. Such a move would not only harm the drivers but also disrupt the transportation system. A gradual and well-planned approach is necessary to address this issue.
New Policies: Stop selling battery-powered rickshaws to individuals other than those with physical disabilities. Create an easy registration process for disabled drivers.
Enforce Regulations: Implement a strict registration system for existing rickshaws. Unregistered vehicles should not be allowed on the roads.
Restricted Routes: Prohibit battery-powered rickshaws from using highways and major roads. Assign specific routes for these vehicles.
Training and Awareness: Educate drivers about traffic rules, lane discipline, and road safety through training programs.
The current crisis over battery-powered rickshaws isn’t just a transportation issue; it’s the result of long-term neglect by policymakers. In developing countries like Bangladesh, new solutions often gain popularity quickly, but the lack of proper regulation leads to bigger problems.
Instead of imposing an immediate ban, the government should adopt a step-by-step approach with clear plans to resolve the issue. Any solution that directly threatens people’s livelihoods without proper alternatives will only lead to social unrest.
Author: Muhammad Noora Alam is a researcher and writer focused on urban policy and socio-political dynamics in Bangladesh. Their works involve the interface of public administration, civic rights, and sustainable urban development. He can be reached at Noor.A90sChild@gmail.com
