Govt to introduce a unified regulatory policy for battery-run rickshaws

The government is working to introduce a unified regulatory policy for battery-run rickshaws (e-rickshaws) across city corporations, municipalities, upazilas, and union parishads across the country, said State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mir Shahe Alam on Thursday.

He made the announcement during an inter-ministerial meeting at the conference room of the Local Government Ministry at Bangladesh Secretariat according to a PID Handout.

State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mir Shahe Alam presided over the meeting.

A policy for the management of e-rickshaws is being formulated in accordance with the Local Government (City Corporation) Act 2009, and the Local Government (City Corporation) (Amendment) Act 2026, the handout said.

Mir Shahe Alam said, “Initiatives will be taken to update existing regulations and designate a unified licensing authority for city corporations, municipalities, upazila and union parishads.

The smooth and effective implementation of this policy would play a significant role in controlling urban traffic, bringing traffic discipline, and ensuring road safety. At the same time, the systematic licensing and registration processes conducted through local government bodies would generate revenue for the state exchequer, he added.

The Local Government (City Corporation) (Amendment) Act, 2026, has already been revised to facilitate e-rickshaw registration and driver licensing followed by the Local Government Division's gazette notification of the E-Rickshaw Operation Rules in December 2025.

The meeting featured a detailed discussion on taking effective measures regarding urban management, traffic discipline, road safety, and the management of battery-operated e-rickshaws in light of current realities. Relevant stakeholders presented various opinions and recommendations on the matter.

At the meeting, BUET civil engineering professor Dr. Md. Hadiuzzaman provided expert opinion on the relevant subject.The meeting brought together DNCC administrator Safiqul Islam Khan and DSCC administrator Md. Abdus Salam among others.