Dhaka's streets have become synonymous with extended traffic congestion, with unregulated battery-run rickshaws being one of the main reasons.
These three-wheelers, operating without legal status, frequently lose control, resulting in accidents and, at times, fatalities.
Despite stringent measures from the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Traffic Division, tangible results remain elusive.
Battery-run rickshaw drivers often evade the authorities by swiftly altering routes upon noticing police presence, leading to what officials describe as a cat-and-mouse game between traffic police and the drivers.
To date, nearly one lakh battery-run rickshaws have been impounded as part of ongoing crackdowns.
Yet, law enforcement struggles to maintain control. In September alone, during a week-long drive, traffic police in the capital acted against 20,000 battery-powered rickshaws, cutting off the electric connections of 9,301 battery-run rickshaws and confiscating seats from 4,159 of them.
Moreover, 660 battery-powered rickshaws were impounded, three batteries seized, and punitive measures were taken against 5,839 additional vehicles.
Yet despite these efforts, the dominance of battery-operated battery-run rickshaws on main roads shows no signs of abating, with accidents regularly reported.
DMP Additional Police Commissioner Khondker Najmul Hasan said, "When apprehended, we send these vehicles for dumping. We conduct regular operations to reduce their dominance. We are taking measures, one way or another."
Addressing the challenges in controlling unauthorised production, he questioned, "Is it the police's duty to act against manufacturers?"
"Matters like permissions, legality, and licensing fall outside our jurisdiction. Relevant entities must address the manufacturing sector," the police official added.
Several traffic officers refrained from commenting publicly, citing restrictions.
Population density in Dhaka further exacerbates the crisis.
According to the 2024 census, around 4.56 crore people live in the city and adjacent districts, while the 2014 slum survey revealed approximately 22.5 lakh slum dwellers across 3,394 slums in Dhaka, housing around 6.5 lakh people.
Rickshaw driving remains a significant source of livelihood for slum-dwelling men, making it difficult to gauge the precise number of operating rickshaws.
Sources estimate approximately four lakh unauthorised rickshaws in the Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) area and another four to five lakh in Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC).
Every day, new rickshaws join the traffic, a considerable portion battery-operated.
Drivers find such vehicles less physically taxing, prompting owners to install batteries, inadvertently contributing to rising accidents.
On 7 November, for instance, a collision in Demra claimed the life of a 65-year-old pedestrian, Yusuf.
Transportation expert Dr Md Hadiuzzaman from BUET’s Accident Research Institute suggests that regulation at the root level is essential.
"The problem persists due to uncontrolled local garage production. Operations need to focus on these production sites and import controls for rickshaw parts," he said.
He emphasised that comprehensive policies are crucial, detailing road capacity and permissible battery-run rickshaw numbers.
"Scientific calculations and technical instructions must underpin policy formulation to mitigate accidents stemming from structural weaknesses. Currently, eight lakh battery-operated battery-run rickshaws operate in Dhaka, affecting nearly 32 lakh lives," he added.
Regulation, involving both the Ministry of Industry and BRTA, is imperative, Dr Hadiuzzaman said adding that mere street-level action would prove futile without addressing production and import points, urging collective stakeholder participation for effective control.
Rising population pressures in slums and growing rickshaw numbers not only exacerbate road congestion but also strain essential services, placing Dhaka at significant environmental and infrastructural risk.
