Several companies approved to manufacture Buet-certified battery-rickshaws: Dhaka North administrator

Several companies have been authorised to produce battery-powered rickshaws based on designs approved by the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (Buet), Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) Administrator Mohammad Azaz said today (13 May).

Speaking to reporters during a joint operation by the Dhaka Metropolitan Police and DNCC against unauthorised rickshaws in the Asadgate area, Azaz said the city corporation will shut down unauthorised manufacturing workshops and charging stations to curb the use of illegal battery-powered rickshaws.

"The government is taking steps to reduce accidents and restore discipline in public transportation. With Buet's assistance, a safer and standardised design for battery-powered rickshaws has already been developed. Selected companies have been granted permission to begin production based on this model," he said.

The DNCC plans to launch training programmes for rickshaw drivers within this month, Azaz said, adding that only those who pass the training will receive legal licenses and will be allowed to operate Buet-approved rickshaws in designated areas of the city.

Only one license will be issued per national ID card to curb the commercialisation of rickshaw operations, he said.

"Licensed rickshaws will not be allowed to cross into zones assigned to other rickshaws. To reduce passenger inconvenience, fares will also be regulated," he added.

Citing a recent survey, the DNCC administrator said battery-powered rickshaws are responsible for 20% of road accidents, mostly affecting women and children.

Criticising unregulated production of these vehicles, he said they lack safety features and often operate at uncontrollable speeds, causing frequent accidents and endangering pedestrians.

During today's joint operation, 30 unauthorised battery-powered rickshaws were seized from roads.