Can the government successfully ban battery-powered rickshaws?

The capital city, Dhaka, has long been notorious for its traffic jams. After changes in the political landscape, this congestion has reached unbearable levels. People from various walks of life take to the streets for protests, rallies, and human chains, further exacerbating the traffic woes. Recently, the blockade by battery-powered rickshaw drivers caused immense suffering for regular commuters, schoolchildren, workers, and patients alike. The entire city, including Gabtali, Agargaon, Mohakhali, Malibagh, and Demra, has come to a standstill due to traffic. Yet, there seems to be no cure for this problem.

During the previous government, an initiative was taken to ban battery-powered rickshaws, but it was dropped after facing widespread protests. Since the change of government on August 5, the law enforcement agencies' lax approach has allowed battery-powered rickshaws to proliferate in the capital, causing further disruption on the roads. On November 19, the High Court bench of Justices Fatema Najib and Mahmudur Razi directed the government to ban battery-powered rickshaws within three days. This directive came after a petition was filed by the president and general secretary of the Pedal Rickshaw Owners Association of Dhaka Metropolitan Rickshaw Owners Unity. The court instructed the Home Secretary, Local Government Secretary, IG Police, Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner, the authorities of the two city corporations of Dhaka, and other relevant authorities to implement the order.

Since then, the Battery Rickshaw-Van and Easybike Sangram Parishad has called for a withdrawal of the ban on battery-powered rickshaws in Dhaka city. There have been protests and demonstrations over the past few days. According to the leaders of the organizations representing battery rickshaw and van drivers, currently, around 7-8 lakh battery-powered rickshaws and easybikes are operating in Dhaka. If these vehicles are banned, around 15 lakh people would lose their jobs overnight. They demand the creation of training programs for battery-powered rickshaw drivers, the finalization and modernization of policies, and the provision of registration, licenses, and route permits for these vehicles. Additionally, they call for the construction of separate service roads for low-speed vehicles like rickshaws and easybikes on every road and highway.

It is true that banning rickshaws or battery-powered rickshaws in Dhaka is an easy solution to a complicated problem. However, the traffic issue in Dhaka is complex and requires multi-faceted efforts to resolve. Rickshaws have been operating for nearly a century, so attempting to eliminate them overnight is a risky and scientifically unsound step. Battery-powered rickshaws pose significant safety risks, so improving their standards and imposing stricter regulations on licensing could be a more practical approach. Additional thoughtful measures should be taken until a viable alternative is found.

In Bangladesh, a significant portion of the workforce consists of rickshaw pullers who greatly benefit from using battery-powered rickshaws. The transition from manually-pedaled rickshaws to battery-operated ones has transformed their lives by reducing physical strain and increasing their earning potential. These vehicles are not just a mode of transport; they are a source of livelihood for millions of people. If this service were suddenly halted, it would have disastrous consequences for these individuals and their families. The impact would be felt across the entire economy, as many people depend on these rickshaws for their daily commuting. The government must always remain aware of the socio-economic impact of any decision related to rickshaws and ensure sufficient alternatives are provided before imposing any restrictions.

However, there is a need to define a standard design for battery-operated rickshaws. To improve safety, the design needs to be corrected. Alongside correcting safety flaws, discipline in movement must also be enforced. The main issue with these vehicles is their weak speed control system. The braking system is not at all compatible with the speed at which the rickshaws travel. These vehicles often lose balance and overturn at high speeds, especially taking turns. Furthermore, the inability to apply brakes in emergency situations leads to collisions with other vehicles or pedestrians. Additionally, the batteries used in these rickshaws have a short lifespan, and it is unclear how the discarded batteries are disposed of. These batteries can pose a severe environmental threat. Currently, battery-powered rickshaws and auto-rickshaws have become the primary vehicles in many areas. Many people see this change as a positive one. These vehicles are not only a symbol of modernity but are also considered environmentally friendly, offering relief to rickshaw pullers by easing their physical strain.

While some consider battery-powered rickshaws mechanically faulty and dangerous, there is no concrete evidence of an increase in major accidents in areas where they operate. While mechanical issues cannot be ignored and it is not unusual for battery-powered rickshaws to pose risks when brakes are applied suddenly, such accidents are relatively rare. If such incidents were frequent, users of these rickshaws would likely avoid using them. However, allowing these vehicles to operate on highways is not advisable for obvious reasons.

It might be worth considering the possibility of granting "legal validity" for battery-powered rickshaws and auto-rickshaws to operate in rural areas and on smaller roads in cities and towns through the enactment of specific laws. However, restrictions on their use on national highways, major city roads, and other main urban streets should remain in place. The solution to this issue should involve discussions with all stakeholders. There is no room for negligence in addressing this matter.

Chiraranjan Sarker: Columnist