The unchecked rise of battery-run auto-rickshaws in Gazipur has become a daily ordeal for residents, adding pressure on the power supply while contributing to noise pollution, traffic jams and frequent accidents.
Local residents allege that auto-rickshaw drivers frequently use loud horns unnecessarily on different roads in the city. Students, patients and elderly people are among the worst affected, especially as blaring horns are used even in front of schools, colleges, hospitals and residential areas.
Many drivers also stop their vehicles suddenly in the middle of roads or at important intersections to pick up passengers, disrupting traffic movement and causing long tailbacks. The problem becomes more acute during office and school closing hours.
There are also allegations that many drivers violate traffic rules by speeding, driving on the wrong side of the road and overtaking dangerously. As a result, minor and major accidents occur almost every day, leaving pedestrians, motorcyclists and passengers of other vehicles injured.
Meanwhile, the daily charging of thousands of battery-run auto-rickshaws has significantly increased electricity demand. In many cases, there are also allegations of batteries being charged through illegal power connections, creating a new challenge for electricity management.
Concerned citizens say effective regulations, designated stands, strict monitoring of horn use and proper enforcement of traffic laws are urgently needed to control battery-run auto-rickshaws. Otherwise, they fear traffic congestion, noise pollution, additional pressure on electricity supply and road accidents will continue to rise.
Naushin, a fourth-grade student of Gazipur PTI School, told TIMES of Bangladesh, “I feel disturbed every day by the loud horns of auto-rickshaws. It affects my concentration while studying. Besides, random parking of auto-rickshaws often creates traffic congestion, which also causes problems for us while going to school.”
Ibrahim Mollah, a former member of Jangalia Union Parishad in Kaliganj upazila, said, “A large amount of electricity is being consumed to charge battery-run auto-rickshaws. As a result, ordinary people in many areas are not getting electricity according to their needs and are suffering in various ways. If the government gradually takes steps to increase the use of pedal-run rickshaws, it will be possible to reduce some pressure on the electricity system.”
College teacher Tajul Islam said, “At present, many people are leaving productive occupations such as farming, cattle rearing and fish farming and moving towards cities to drive auto-rickshaws. This is having a negative impact on the rural economy. At the same time, incidents of some young people becoming involved in drug use and other criminal activities are also worrying.”
Gazipur Deputy Commissioner Nurul Karim Bhuiyan told TIMES, “Traffic congestion caused by auto-rickshaws is now a major problem. Besides, random parking and loud horns are increasing noise pollution. This is having a negative impact on children, students and ordinary people. The matter is being taken seriously.”
Gazipur City Corporation Administrator Md Shawkat Hossain Sarkar said, “A large number of unlicensed auto-rickshaws are operating in the metropolis, which is one of the major causes of traffic congestion and public suffering. Because of illegal and unlicensed auto-rickshaws, city residents are facing various problems.
“We will seek instructions from the Local Government Ministry on how Gazipur residents can be given relief from this suffering. After receiving instructions, the city corporation will take necessary measures as soon as possible. At the same time, effective steps will be taken to bring auto-rickshaw movement under discipline and regulation.”
