Government to formulate battery-run rickshaw policy soon: Information Adviser

The government is set to formulate a policy soon regarding the movement of battery-run rickshaws on Dhaka's main roads and highways, Prime Minister's Information and Broadcasting Adviser Dr Zahed Ur Rahman has said. He said the policy will determine where and to what extent these rickshaws can operate, vehicle standards and technical capacity, and driver training among other issues.

He made these remarks at a press conference on Tuesday, August 25, at the Secretariat on the progress of various government activities.

The Prime Minister's Adviser said after the fall of Sheikh Hasina's government, battery-run rickshaws have started plying on major roads in Dhaka. This has created various problems, including traffic congestion. These rickshaw drivers lack the necessary training. Additionally, whether the vehicles are technically safe and up to standard is also an important issue.

Dr Zahed Ur Rahman said the government is set to formulate a policy on this matter very soon. The policy will ensure which areas and to what extent these vehicles can operate, and what the vehicle standards will be. A disciplined system will be established quickly through this.

At the press conference, he also highlighted the launch of the second phase of the Family Card programme, one of the government's key social protection programmes. The programme was launched by distributing cards to 457 beneficiaries in Latifabad Union of Kishoreganj Sadar Upazila.

Dr Zahed Ur Rahman said 41 lakh families will come under the Family Card programme in the current fiscal year. The government will spend approximately Tk 14,000 crore on this programme.

Explaining the rationale for such a large expenditure on the Family Card, he said the state has many priorities. However, ensuring financial assistance for the most marginalised people in society is also a major priority for the government. When money reaches the hands of poor people, they will quickly spend it in the market. As a result, it will not only benefit the beneficiary families but also impact the entire economy. This money will flow into the market, creating demand, and based on that, new businesses and industries will have the opportunity to emerge.

The Adviser said the expenditure of approximately Tk 14,000 crore on the Family Card could have a multiplier effect on the economy. This flow of money will also create opportunities for new employment.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Andaliv Rahman Partha and State Minister Yaser Khan Chowdhury were present at the press conference.