Though the rapid increase in rickshaws across Dhaka has added to the city’s traffic chaos, authorities remain reluctant about the worsening issue, city dwellers complained.
“Despite the visible impact on traffic congestion, the absence of accurate data regarding the number of rickshaws further complicates the situation,” said Saiful Azam, a city dweller, while talking to the UNB correspondent.
A UNB investigation revealed a lack of precise information from the authorities responsible for regulating rickshaws, creating an alarming discrepancy between the data and the ground realities.
Currently, some 10% of Dhaka’s residents commute using private vehicles, 25% rely on public buses, 5% use autorickshaws and taxis, while an overwhelming 60% depend on rickshaws.
Battery-Run Rickshaws: A Growing Concern
The proliferation of battery-run rickshaws has exacerbated the city’s traffic problems. These vehicles, operating without licences or formal approval, have become a source of frustration for pedal rickshaw drivers, who argue that their livelihoods are being adversely affected.
This surge is occurring despite a 2014 High Court ban on battery-run rickshaws in Dhaka and Chattogram. Another directive issued on 15 December 2021 prohibited the import of such rickshaws. However, enforcement remains lax, leading to their unchecked growth on Dhaka’s streets.
Licensing and Data Discrepancies
The Dhaka City Corporation, now divided into Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) and Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC), ceased issuing licences for pedal rickshaws over three decades ago, citing their contribution to gridlock.
Official records state that Dhaka has 220,379 licensed rickshaws, with DNCC accounting for 30,162 and DSCC for 190,217.
But a 2019 study by the Bangladesh Institute of Labour Studies (BILS) estimated the number of pedal rickshaws in Dhaka to exceed 1.1 million, of which only 3-4% were registered.
Behind-the-Scenes Power Play
Interviews with rickshaw drivers revealed that controlling the number of rickshaws is challenging due to the involvement of politicians, administrators, and law enforcement. These groups allegedly protect and facilitate the illegal operation of rickshaws, given the sector’s profitability and its minimal contributions to government revenue.
Jabbar, a pedal rickshaw driver with a decade of experience, shared stories of exploitation: “The money we earn is mostly taken by the owners. We pay daily deposits, road costs, and for any damages. If a rickshaw is lost, we must compensate for it in instalments. Owning a rickshaw is costly and depends on the area. In places like Gulshan and Banani, higher investments are needed. We are working hard every day but earn very little.”
Another driver, Sumon Ali, highlighted the difficulties posed by the rising cost of living and competition from battery-run rickshaws: “Everything is expensive now, but the battery-run rickshaws make it harder for us as they take away our passengers. People often prefer them over us.”
Investment in Rickshaw Ownership
For investors, rickshaw ownership presents a lucrative opportunity. A new or refurbished rickshaw costs around Tk20,000, with a daily deposit collection of Tk 200.
An investment of Tk100,000 for five rickshaws can break even within six months. Over three years and two months, this could theoretically yield a fleet of 320 rickshaws, considering a 10% damage rate every 5.5 months. This would result in a monthly income of Tk 6.12 lakh after deducting parking and maintenance costs.
Organisational Exploitation
Several organisations, including the Dhaka Division Rickshaw and Van Owners’ Association and the Bangladesh Rickshaw Owners League, have been accused of illegally issuing number plates for rickshaws.
The DSCC confirmed that rickshaw licences have not been issued since 1986, yet these organisations continue to provide licences, citing stay orders from the court.
Importance of Rickshaws
Despite their drawbacks, rickshaws remain vital to Dhaka’s transport and economy. They are widely used for commuting, school trips, and recreational purposes, especially during the monsoon.
Estimates suggest that between 1 and 4 million rickshaws operate across Bangladesh, carrying 25 million passengers daily.
But the rise of auto-rickshaws has introduced additional challenges, including increased traffic congestion, road accidents, and safety risks due to excessive speeds. Many auto-rickshaw drivers lack experience, further endangering road users.
While rickshaws are environmentally friendly and produce no harmful emissions, their slow pace and growing numbers contribute significantly to Dhaka’s traffic woes.
A Cultural Symbol
Bangladesh holds the record for hosting the highest number of rickshaws globally, with Dhaka alone operating a significant portion daily.
In 2023, UNESCO recognised rickshaws and rickshaw art as an intangible cultural heritage of Bangladesh.
The growing presence of rickshaws, especially battery-run ones, calls for immediate intervention from authorities. Without effective regulation and enforcement, the situation is likely to worsen, further paralysing Dhaka’s already strained transport system.
