‘Bangla Tesla’: Policy being formulated to ensure discipline, safety
The unchecked growth of battery-run rickshaws has caused chaos, reckless driving, and fatal accidents
Amid much controversy and criticism, the interim government has now proposed formulating a policy to deal with the plying of electric three-wheelers.
The policy is being formulated to ensure discipline and safety in the management of electric three-wheelers.
In the busy streets of Dhaka, battery-run rickshaws, known as "Banglar Teslas," have surged, changing urban transport and sparking debates on safety and regulation.
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The unchecked growth has caused chaos, reckless driving, and fatal accidents.
According to a study by BUET, since the previous government fell in August, 400,000 more battery rickshaws have hit Dhaka's roads, pushing the total over 600,000. In some areas, density reaches 2,000 per square kilometre.
A BUET study found battery-run rickshaws to be the most hazardous of 18 vehicle types in Dhaka. From January to October 2023, 900 accidents were reported nationwide, with 582 fatalities.
The Dhaka North City Corporation instituted a ban on such rickshaws, sparking protests by riders recently.
