Unauthorized operation of battery-operated vehicles must be ceased immediately

Battery-operated rickshaws and Easybikes have flooded the streets of the capital, Dhaka, and other parts of the country. However, on December 15, 2021, the High Court had ordered the cessation of operation of 4 million battery-operated vehicles, along with a ban on their importation, purchase, and sale. Nevertheless, despite the court's directive, these vehicles continue to ply the main roads of the capital and other areas illegally. As a result, accidents and fatalities occur frequently, causing distress to the nation.

According to a study conducted at the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), it has been found that 20 percent of the fatalities in road accidents each year occur due to battery-operated vehicles. The question arises: how are these unauthorized vehicles operating? Reports from various newspapers indicate that behind the continuous operation of these vehicles, there are some unscrupulous individuals and powerful syndicates. Among those involved are local leaders, extortionists, and even some members of law enforcement agencies who are supposed to uphold the law. The illegal drivers claim that they regularly pay a certain amount as extortion, and then operate their unauthorized vehicles without hindrance. We assert that those who violate the directives of the High Court should be brought to justice promptly, and the operation of such unauthorized vehicles should be immediately halted.

Occasionally, the authorities in the capital city conduct campaigns to crack down on these illegal auto-rickshaws. However, the day after such campaigns, auto-rickshaws are seen operating on the roads again, which is quite frustrating.

Even battery-operated rickshaw drivers have launched attacks on police boxes in Mirpur and Pallabi areas of Dhaka in protest against police campaigns. During this incident, rickshaw drivers attacked five police boxes and assaulted two police officers. They also vandalized a motorcycle parked on the street.

In the past decade, there has been an increasing trend of integrating batteries into pedal-operated rickshaws. Now, in many district towns, battery-operated rickshaws outnumber traditional pedal rickshaws. Pedal rickshaws are hardly seen anywhere.

Rickshaw drivers argue that using a battery-powered vehicle reduces physical strain. Additionally, they can reach destinations more quickly and charge higher fares simultaneously. However, the administration expresses concern over this matter, and the police often intervene to enforce regulations. On the other hand, the police sometimes allow them to continue operating when they get money from Rickshaw drivers.

Each Easybike and auto-rickshaw is equipped with multiple batteries. At the end of the day, these batteries are kept on charge throughout the night. As these vehicles are widely used, users typically charge them using the national grid electricity connection. Consequently, experts hold these bikes somewhat accountable for creating a social electricity deficit.
Stopping these vehicles would also contribute to conserving electricity. However, before halting the operation of these vehicles, it's essential to consider the livelihoods of the working-class people involved here. Therefore, the authorities need to explore alternative employment opportunities for the working-class people.