The government is formulating a policy to bring an estimated 50-80 lakh electric three-wheelers, including battery-powered rickshaws and easy bikes, under a regulated system, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed told parliament on Monday.
He made the remarks while responding to a notice from BNP lawmaker Rahana Akter Ranu (Women Seat-4) under Rule 71 of the Rules of Procedure, seeking measures to control the unregulated movement of battery-run rickshaws.
Salahuddin said battery-powered rickshaws, easy bikes and similar vehicles have become an important part of urban and rural transport over the past decade due to their low fares, easy availability and convenience for short-distance travel.
The sector has also created a large informal economy involving drivers, owners, garage operators, workers, battery and spare-parts traders, charging service providers and small entrepreneurs, he said.
However, the rapid and largely unregulated expansion of the sector has created challenges in electricity management, road safety, traffic congestion, environmental pollution, public health and institutional regulation, the minister added.
He said charging a large number of vehicles simultaneously is putting additional pressure on the power distribution system.
Salahuddin also raised concerns over health and environmental risks from unsafe handling and informal recycling of lead-acid batteries used in many vehicles.
He said the estimated 50-80 lakh electric three-wheelers consume around 5 per cent of the country’s total electricity, though the actual figure could be higher.
Against this demand, there are only around 3,300 legal charging points across the country, while more than 48,000 informal or illegal charging points operate in Dhaka alone, he said.
“As a result, the government is losing around Tk4,000 crore in revenue annually due to unauthorised electricity use,” he said.
The minister said unregistered vehicles, untrained drivers, faulty designs, weak braking and lighting systems, speeding and the movement of slow-moving vehicles on highways are increasing road accident risks.
Citing statistics, he said 6,729 road accidents occurred in 2025, leaving 911 people dead and 14,812 injured. Battery-run rickshaws were involved in 13.54 per cent of those accidents.
He said the movement of unauthorised battery-run rickshaws has already been banned on major roads in Dhaka.
Salahuddin said joint drives are being conducted by Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), Dhaka Electric Supply Company (DESCO) and Dhaka Power Distribution Company (DPDC) against garages using illegal electricity connections.
Illegal connections are being disconnected and legal action is being taken against those involved, he added.
The minister said the proposed policy would allow approved auto-rickshaws to receive registration, number plates and driver identification through QR codes, alongside phased training for drivers.
He said the government would introduce measures to determine routes, regulate driver movement, improve traffic management and strengthen law enforcement.
“These steps will help reduce traffic congestion, establish road discipline and ensure road safety,” he said.
Salahuddin also said 50 AI-based cameras are currently operating at 17 traffic signals in Dhaka to improve vehicle control and traffic management.
The cameras have shown positive results in regulating the movement of auto-rickshaws and other vehicles, he said, adding that another 200 AI-based cameras would be installed in traffic divisions under Ramna and Tejgaon.
More AI-based cameras will gradually be installed at important roads and intersections across Dhaka, he added.
Ranu, in her notice, said discipline had improved on some city roads after the installation of AI-based traffic cameras.
She said violations such as running red lights, improper lane changes and speeding had declined, but battery-run rickshaws were still operating without following traffic rules.
As many of these vehicles do not have number plates, AI cameras can identify violations but fines cannot be imposed, she said.
Ranu said strict action was needed to control reckless movement of such vehicles, particularly on major roads. However, she stressed that the sector should be regulated rather than completely banned as the livelihoods of many people depend on it.
“Seizing vehicles and harassing drivers without an alternative plan for their livelihoods is not right,” she said.
In response, Salahuddin said the proposed system would include safer and environment-friendly batteries as a requirement, along with digital tracking linked to registration numbers.
He said illegal charging stations using electricity connections from poles were causing revenue losses and contributing to corruption.
The minister alleged that some officials from the power sector and city corporations were involved in illegal charging activities alongside operators and users.
“We will consider all aspects so that unemployment does not increase, employment is not disrupted, the environment is protected, vehicles remain disciplined and traffic management improves,” he said.
