Unregulated 'Banglar Tesla' growth risks public health and economy: CPD study
The study highlights safety risks, illegal power use and lead exposure linked to electric three-wheelers
The rapid and largely unregulated expansion of electric three-wheelers, popularly known as "Banglar Tesla," is causing an estimated Tk4,000 crore in annual economic losses, mainly due to illegal electricity use, according to a study by the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD).
Despite providing livelihoods for nearly four million drivers and transporting around 112 million passengers daily, the sector faces serious regulatory, safety, environmental, and public health challenges, underscoring the urgent need for formalisation, the study said.
The study was presented today (22 December) at a discussion titled "Integrating electric three-wheelers into urban transport network: Challenges and the way forward" at the CPD office. CPD programme associate Md Khalid Mahmud delivered the keynote presentation.
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According to the study, data from the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority show that around six million electric three-wheelers are operating nationwide, including about two million in Dhaka, most of them unregistered.
Safety risks are reflected in accident data. In 2024, electric three-wheelers were involved in 16.5% of reported road accidents and accounted for 21.01% of total road fatalities. Many vehicles use braking systems originally designed for pedal rickshaws, which are unsuitable for motorised operation.
The study estimates that electric three-wheelers consume nearly 5% of Bangladesh's daily electricity generation, equivalent to about 750 megawatts. Due to inadequate charging infrastructure, more than 48,000 illegal charging points have emerged in Dhaka, compared with only 3,300 government-approved stations, contributing to power theft, grid instability and fire risks.
The report also highlights a growing public health concern linked to lead-acid battery use. About 35 million children nationwide have elevated lead exposure, while in Dhaka, 80% of tested children were found to have blood lead levels exceeding the World Health Organisation's intervention threshold.
More than 1,100 informal battery recycling sites are contaminating soil and water, with lead poisoning reportedly killing livestock in districts such as Jamalpur and Magura.
Speaking at the seminar, Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority executive director Neelima Akhter said Dhaka's heavy reliance on three-wheelers stems from the lack of a reliable public bus service, adding that enforcement remains the main challenge despite existing laws.
"The laws exist, but what we see on the streets is a cat-and-mouse game," she said, adding that DTCA is preparing a transport master plan covering Greater Dhaka, including Narayanganj and Gazipur, to develop a multi-modal transport system. She said rickshaws would remain as feeder services on neighbourhood roads, but not on main roads.
BUET professor Dr Asif-uz-Zaman Khan stressed the need for strict technical standards, saying, "Speed limits and uniform design guidelines are essential to reduce accidents," and warning that arbitrary design changes undermine vehicle stability and braking.
Bangladesh Road Transport Authority director Mohammad Shahidullah said an electric vehicle policy has been finalised and that separate guidelines for three-wheelers are being prepared.
The CPD study recommends recognising electric three-wheelers as low-speed electric vehicles, integrating them into first- and last-mile transport, developing dedicated road infrastructure, and enforcing standards for vehicle design, charging systems and battery recycling.
Without comprehensive regulation, the study warns, the unchecked growth of electric three-wheelers will continue to undermine road safety, public health and the national economy.
