Policy to restrict battery-run rickshaws on Dhaka roads underway: Rabiul

A policy is being formulated to regulate battery-run rickshaws, with their movement on major roads and important areas of Dhaka set to be restricted, Road Transport Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam said Tuesday.

“We do not want to cause harm to anyone, but Dhaka city cannot be allowed to become dysfunctional for the interests of any particular group. That is the main point,” Rabiul said.

He made the remarks after inaugurating the re-excavation work of Dhanmondi Lake in the capital. Dhaka South City Corporation Administrator Abdus Salam was present at the event.

Rabiul said battery-run rickshaws were seriously disrupting the functioning of Dhaka and the government was concerned about the situation.

Acknowledging that many people had been working in the sector for a long time and could face difficulties under the proposed restrictions, he said collective agreement was needed to address the existing mismanagement.

“If auto-rickshaws operate anywhere and everywhere in an uncontrolled manner in Dhaka, the city does not function,” he said.

Asked about Jamaat-e-Islami leader Golam Parwar’s comments on battery-run rickshaws, Rabiul criticised the party’s understanding of citizens’ rights and Dhaka’s needs.

He also criticised Jamaat’s political positions over different periods, saying the party had repeatedly failed to understand public expectations.

On Dhanmondi Lake, Rabiul said the government was implementing two projects worth around 83 crore taka to improve the area’s environment, which had been approved by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

The projects, expected to take about two and a half years, include dredging, excavation, sludge removal and infrastructure development. New facilities will also be developed around Nazrul Mancha, which is currently abandoned.

“Modern facilities will be developed at the lake. All the facilities, including greenery, that a modern lake should have will be here,” he said.

Rabiul stressed the need for regular maintenance and public awareness to preserve the lake’s greenery and facilities, urging people not to dump garbage or waste into the water.

He also said a separate 350 crore taka project had been undertaken to address waterlogging across large parts of Dhaka South, including Dhanmondi, low-lying areas of Hazaribagh and Chawkbazar, areas from Shikdar Medical College towards the embankment and Kalabagan.

“We are continuously working and taking up these projects to improve citizens’ quality of life and resolve the obstacles that are affecting it. Once these projects are implemented, Dhaka residents will certainly get a new Dhaka,” he said.