Local government adviser Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan on Saturday said that battery-powered three-wheeler rickshaws made by BUET will start running in Dhaka’s Paltan and Dhanmondi under Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC), and in Uttara under Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) from August.
He was speaking at the inauguration of a training programme for rickshaw drivers held at Nagar Bhaban.
Asif Mahmud said, “Unlike the current unregulated system, each zone will have a specific number of rickshaws. This will help control the number of vehicles and avoid disorder. Drivers will also be protected from extortion and harassment.”
He added that an online system will be introduced for both vehicle and driver licensing.
“All rickshaws will have a QR code. Traffic police will be able to scan the code to see all information. We will begin in these two zones with a limited number of e-rickshaws. This system will not be open-ended like now, where thousands of rickshaws can enter the city without control,” he said.
The adviser also said, “Those who adopt the new e-rickshaws will be treated as legal operators. They will no longer face punishment or bribery claims as they often do now. This is not just about transport regulation — it’s also about recognising their rights as citizens.”
He further said that students are being involved in this initiative.
“In many countries, students work part-time in government activities. In our country, this system was not present. But during the law-and-order crisis after August 5, it was students who helped manage traffic. We were inspired by that.”
“We realised that involving students as part-timers reduces government expenses where full-time staff aren’t necessary,” he added.
DNCC administrator Mohammmad Azaz said that unauthorised rickshaws will be gradually removed from the two zones.
“Charging points are being arranged to support the new battery-run rickshaws.”
Senior officials from the DNCC were present at the event.