Mizanur Rahman, an auto-rickshaw driver from Mirpur’s Eastern Housing area, recalled last year’s Eid season with a mix of nostalgia and frustration.
“From the 20th day of Ramadan until Eid, I earned Tk36,000. It was a festive time for me. But this year, my earnings have dropped to just Tk15,000. I never expected such a sharp decline,” he lamented.
Mizanur, who previously saw steady income during the festive period, is now grappling with financial strain.
He blames the increasing number of battery-run rickshaws on the streets for his dwindling earnings.
“The number of rickshaws has nearly doubled, and that’s why our income has taken a hit,” he explained.
He revealed that last year, fewer auto-rickshaws meant better earnings.
“Now, with so many more vehicles on the road, my income has been cut in half. Many of my fellow drivers are facing the same struggle,” he said.
The issue extends beyond Mizanur. Akhtar, another auto-rickshaw driver from Mirpur-12’s Duari Para, shared a similar plight.
“Last Eid, I earned Tk20,000, but this time, I barely made Tk12,000,” he said, blaming the rising number of rickshaws for the slump.
Akhtar had planned to celebrate Eid with his family in his village but was forced to stay back, sending only a small amount home due to financial constraints.
Meanwhile, pedal rickshaw drivers are also feeling the squeeze.
One driver complained that the surge in auto-rickshaws had severely impacted his income.
“Passengers prefer auto-rickshaws because they are faster. No one wants to take a pedal rickshaw anymore,” he said.
Passengers, too, acknowledged the changing landscape.
Many said they preferred auto-rickshaws for quicker commutes, although some raised concerns over reckless driving and the increased risk of accidents.
