Dhaka: State Minister for Road Transport and Bridges Habibur Rashid announced today that the government has initiated steps to incorporate battery-powered autorickshaws into a policy framework. This framework will include designated routes, taxation, and regulation of their operations.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, a committee has already been established to develop the policy, and work is currently underway. Rashid emphasized the importance of conducting a proper feasibility assessment before any plan is implemented, underlining the need for adequate time to ensure effective execution.
The state minister's comments were made during a seminar titled "Battery-powered Three-wheelers and Sustainable Public Transport Planning and Management," held at the BIP Conference Hall of Planners Tower in Banglamotor. The seminar was jointly organized by the Bangladesh Institute of Planners (BIP) and the Department of Urban and Regional Planning of Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET).
Rashid highlighted government initiatives aimed at reducing traffic congestion and promoting electric vehicles. These initiatives include reducing duties, creating research opportunities, and facilitating bank loans. Efforts are also being made to control the entry of inter-district buses into Dhaka, improve city bus terminals, manage unfit buses, and develop commuter trains, waterways, metro rail, and monorail services.
A keynote paper presented by BIP Secretary General Professor Dr Mu. Mosleh Uddin Hasan and planner Tahsin Reza recommended treating battery-powered three-wheelers as a distinct category of motorized vehicles and integrating them into the city's public transport management system. The paper stressed the importance of a robust public transport system to tackle long-term transport issues in the city.
Professor Dr S. M. Sohel Mahmud of the Accident Research Institute emphasized the necessity for reliable research and a clear policy on these vehicles. He called for the regulation of spare-part imports, factories, and charging points, as well as the development of affordable alternative public transport options.
Professor Dr Adil Muhammad Khan of the BIP Advisory Council suggested introducing a licensing system and designating specific areas for the operation of these vehicles. He also advocated for including owners, suppliers, charging-station operators, and importers in the management framework.
DMP Deputy Commissioner Md Rafiqul Islam highlighted the need for effective regulation, which would involve oversight of the vehicles' production, supply, and charging systems, in addition to traffic management.
The seminar was chaired by BIP President Dr Muhammad Ariful Islam and attended by government officials, planners, teachers, researchers, journalists, and professionals.