Dhaka’s battery-run autorickshaws to come under regulatory framework: Minister

The government is working to bring battery-powered autorickshaws operating in Dhaka under a specific regulatory framework, Road Transport, Railways and Shipping Minister Sheikh Rabiul Alam said on Tuesday (October 6).

He said the movement of these vehicles on major roads and in other important areas of the capital would be regulated under the proposed policy, which is currently being drafted. A decision could be reached soon, he said.

The minister made the remarks while responding to questions from journalists at the inauguration of a dredging and development project at Dhanmondi Lake in the capital.

“Dhaka is not functioning properly because autorickshaws are operating in an uncontrolled manner. You know it, and the citizens know it,” Rabiul Alam said, expressing concern over the situation.

He said the government was also considering the livelihoods of autorickshaw drivers, many of whom have been engaged in the profession for years.

“They will certainly face difficulties. But in the greater interest of the city, we all need to agree on how to overcome this mismanagement,” he said.

The minister stressed that the government wanted to regulate autorickshaw operations through a proper policy and process without unnecessarily harming anyone.

“Dhaka cannot be allowed to become dysfunctional to serve the interests of any particular group. That is our position,” he said.

On the Dhanmondi Lake project, Rabiul Alam said dredging and removal of accumulated silt had begun as part of a long-standing public demand and one of his election commitments.

He said nearly 1.1965 million cubic metres of silt would need to be removed, with a daily target of around 700 cubic metres.

Two projects have been taken up for the overall development of the lake, including improvements to its environment and infrastructure based on detailed designs. Planned facilities include a library, gym, café and Nazrul Mancha, along with a redesigned walkway and expanded greenery to create a more suitable environment for recreation and leisure.

The minister said around two and a half years had been set aside to complete the dredging and infrastructure development work.

He also stressed the importance of regular maintenance, urging citizens not to dump waste into the lake to help preserve it as a clean and pleasant public space.