Bangladesh moves to license and register e-rickshaws under local government framework

Bangladesh is moving to bring e-rickshaws under a formal policy framework, with licensing and registration to be handled through local government, state minister for local government, rural development and cooperatives Mir Shahe Alam said.

Alam said the system is intended to improve management, ease traffic congestion, strengthen road safety, and generate government revenue. Officials also discussed vehicle fitness testing, certification, garage and charging management, renewable energy use, and traffic discipline.

“Proper and effective implementation of the policy would play an important role in controlling traffic congestion in cities, maintaining discipline in traffic movement and ensuring road safety,” Alam said.

He said existing e-rickshaws would undergo fitness tests and receive certificates. “However, people should not be made to suffer in any way,” he said.

Draft e-rickshaw management rules will be sent to the Law Ministry for vetting before implementation, Alam said.