Dhaka: State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mir Shahe Alam announced that the government is advancing efforts to include e-rickshaws within a structured policy framework, focusing on systematic licensing and registration managed by local government.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, this initiative aims to instill order in the management of e-rickshaws while also contributing to the national revenue. The announcement was made during a discussion centered on the operation and management of battery-operated three-wheeler rickshaws nationwide, including urban areas. The meeting, chaired by the State Minister, took place in the Local Government Division's meeting room at the Secretariat, as detailed in a ministry press release.
Various stakeholders at the meeting shared their views and recommendations regarding the management, operation, registration, and regulation of e-rickshaws. Discussions also covered previous decisions about urban management, traffic discipline, vehicle fitness testing, certification of e-rickshaws, garage and charging management, and the use of renewable energy.
The State Minister emphasized that the effective implementation of the policy could significantly aid in managing traffic congestion, maintaining order in traffic movement, and enhancing road safety. He reiterated that systematic licensing and registration would help establish order in e-rickshaw management while boosting government revenue.
Additionally, the policy aims to organize fitness, charging, and other technical issues. The minister highlighted that arrangements would be made for fitness testing of existing e-rickshaws and issuance of certificates, ensuring that the public would not face any inconvenience.
Mir Shahe Alam mentioned that the draft rules on e-rickshaw management would be forwarded to the Law Ministry for approval, expressing optimism for their swift formulation and implementation.
Expert opinions were provided by Professor Dr. Mohammad Ehsan and Professor Dr. Md Hadiuzzaman from the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology. The meeting was attended by officials, including Dhaka South City Corporation Administrator Freedom Fighter Abdus Salam, Local Government Division Secretary Shahidul Hassan, and other senior ministry and city corporation officials.