Bangladesh to ban battery rickshaws from Dhaka main roads

Battery-run rickshaws will be barred from Dhaka’s main roads under a proposed policy nearing final approval, while registered e-rickshaws carrying up to four passengers will be allowed on internal roads, state minister for local government, rural development and cooperatives Mir Shahe Alam said.

Alam said the policy will soon be sent to the law ministry for vetting before being issued.

“Once it comes back after vetting, we will issue it as quickly as possible,” he told reporters after a meeting at the secretariat.

Registration would require certification from engineering universities or government polytechnic automobile departments, along with a traffic department fitness certificate. City corporations and municipalities would issue registrations.

The policy also includes provisions for solar charging points, regulation of manufacturers, and jointly designated e-rickshaw routes by city corporations and the traffic department.