Empowering rickshaw pullers through training, regulations, and accountability

Without updated and strictly enforced traffic laws, the continued operation of battery-powered rickshaws could further exacerbate existing challenges. Photo: TBS

Rickshaws have long been one of the primary modes of transport in Dhaka city, utilised by people across all socioeconomic classes. From the wealthy to the less fortunate, we all depend on rickshaw pullers to take us from point A to point B, often without any regard for health and safety regulations. 

In fact, proper traffic laws are virtually nonexistent. Whether it is pouring rain or the scorching heat of the sun, these pullers continue to serve tirelessly. 

Banning battery-powered auto-rickshaws will not yield any positive results. These battery-powered auto-rickshaws should replace traditional rickshaws as part of a necessary evolution in our transportation industry through training, regulations, and accountability. 

Previous attempts to impose such bans have failed, likely due to a flawed perspective. Unless alternative livelihoods are provided for rickshaw pullers, this issue will remain unresolved. 

The recent ban led to widespread protests, with demonstrators blocking key roads such as Mohammadpur, Agargaon, Gabtoli, Mirpur, and Demra, as well as railway tracks. This action was taken in response to a High Court directive instructing the government to implement measures banning these vehicles from Dhaka's streets.

Dhaka, the capital city, relies heavily on rickshaws for daily commuting, with estimates suggesting that around 40,000 operate daily. Despite their ubiquity, the exact number of rickshaws in Dhaka remains unknown. While the Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) has 30,162 registered rickshaws and the Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) reports 1,90,217 registered rickshaws, many still remain unregistered, contributing to the lack of accurate data.

On the other hand, battery-powered versions of traditional rickshaws have become increasingly popular on the streets of Dhaka. They are highly favourable to rickshaw pullers, offering significant benefits. 

Auto-rickshaw drivers are spared the physical effort required for pedal rickshaws, can reach destinations more quickly, and can charge lower fares. This efficiency allows them to transport far more passengers in a day compared to traditional rickshaws. The number of auto-rickshaws has grown substantially in recent years, not only in Dhaka but across Bangladesh. It is estimated that there are now up to four million auto-rickshaws operating nationwide

Rickshaw drivers overwhelmingly prefer auto-rickshaws over traditional pedal rickshaws due to their higher and faster return on investment. With changing commuter preferences and a growing demand for quicker transportation, rickshaw manufacturers have largely stopped producing pedal rickshaws, as they are no longer profitable. 

Also, modern commuters, always pressed for time, favour auto-rickshaws for their speed and convenience. 

Meanwhile, auto-rickshaw drivers can earn an average of Tk35,000 or more per month, significantly outpacing the Tk15,000–Tk20,000 typically earned by pedal rickshaw drivers. In some cases, pedal rickshaw drivers earn nothing on certain days, as the immense physical labour involved often leads to illness, preventing them from working. 

For millions of rickshaw pullers, battery-powered rickshaws provide a more sustainable livelihood. Employers and rickshaw owners, the primary motivators behind this shift, also greatly benefit, as they can charge higher fares and generate greater profits from battery-powered rickshaws.

It is time for the interim government to consider revolutionising the role of rickshaw pullers through the official introduction of e-rickshaws, also known as auto-rickshaws or battery-powered rickshaws. 

However, there are several issues associated with these auto-rickshaws, with safety being the most critical concern. This stems from their technical faults and the lack of control over their movement on the streets. 

According to the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA), battery-run rickshaws, vans, and similar three-wheelers have significantly worsened the road safety situation in Dhaka. 

Just a few days ago, a tragic incident on the Jahangirnagar University campus claimed the life of Afsana Karim Rachi, a fresher, when she was involved in an accident with a battery-run rickshaw. This incident sparked widespread protests among students, highlighting the urgency of addressing these safety issues.

Without updated and strictly enforced traffic laws, the continued operation of battery-powered rickshaws could further exacerbate existing challenges. The lack of traffic laws is a significant issue in Bangladesh, contributing to widespread problems across the transportation system. 

Rickshaws, being an integral part of the traffic network, must adhere to laws to ensure the safety of drivers, passengers, and pedestrians alike. However, the absence of comprehensive traffic regulations for rickshaws and other vehicles on major roads poses a serious hazard to public safety. Accidents resulting in fatalities occur daily and have been a long-standing issue. 

The protests in 2018 highlighted the critical need for improved road safety and traffic laws. 

The government should prioritise registering all rickshaws, as there is currently no accurate data on how many operate on Dhaka's streets. This lack of regulation makes it difficult to address traffic and safety challenges effectively. 

These battery-powered rickshaws should also be restricted to specific areas. For instance, in Mohakhali DOHS, there are community-managed rickshaws that are confined to the area and prohibited from entering main roads. Implementing similar restrictions for auto-rickshaws across other regions could help reduce both traffic congestion and accidents. 

By confining these vehicles to designated zones and improving traffic regulation, significant progress can be made in addressing Bangladesh's traffic and safety issues.

Regulations on vehicle speed and speed limits for specific roads must be strictly enforced. In cases where rickshaw pullers violate traffic laws, their employers should be held accountable and fined. This measure would force employers to ensure compliance with traffic regulations. 

Employers must also take responsibility for training and educating rickshaw pullers on traffic rules before allowing them to operate on the streets. A minimum level of training should be mandated as a prerequisite to gaining access to a rickshaw. 

During Eid celebrations, there is a significant influx of rickshaw pullers from different parts of Bangladesh arriving in Dhaka to drive rickshaws, often without proper training or knowledge of the city's roads. 

This lack of preparation contributes to traffic hazards and poses safety risks for both drivers and passengers. Implementing mandatory training would help mitigate these issues, ensuring that only trained individuals are permitted to drive battery-powered rickshaws in the city. 

Another pressing concern is the tendency of individuals to take the law into their own hands. Law enforcement agencies must actively work to raise public awareness, emphasising the importance of reporting accidents or disputes to the proper authorities rather than resorting to violence. Incidents of the public assaulting rickshaw pullers, or vice versa, only add to the disorder on Dhaka's already chaotic streets.

The intense heat, chronic traffic congestion, and general stress of the city often exacerbate tempers, leading to irrational behaviour and unnecessary conflicts. 

It is not only the rickshaw pullers who need to adapt to these changes; the employers of rickshaw pullers or rickshaw owners must also be held accountable. They should be required to provide adequate training and health and safety measures for their workers (rickshaw pullers) to ensure a safer and more sustainable system. 

To address these challenges, the government must adopt a proactive approach by enforcing traffic laws, promoting public awareness campaigns, and creating an environment where order and civility are upheld. Ensuring consistent law enforcement and fostering mutual respect on the roads are essential steps toward alleviating these persistent issues.

Saad Ahmed Baset is an associate lecturer and research assistant at the University of Salford, Manchester.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and views of The Business Standard