In the chaotic maze of Dhaka’s streets, rickshaws have long been the lifeblood of daily travel. Yet a modern addition to this system – the battery-powered rickshaw – has sparked heated debate. For some, these vehicles are a time-saving and cost-effective blessing; for others, they constitute a dangerous disruption to an already precarious traffic system.

This ongoing debate was recently brought to the forefront after a High Court order ordered the removal of all battery-operated rickshaws within three days. The move has sparked protests from battery rickshaw drivers, who say it would deprive them of their livelihoods. Meanwhile, manual rickshaw pullers, commuters and urban planners remain divided on the issue. We spoke to people from different backgrounds to understand their perspectives.

These battery-operated rickshaws have caused several accidents in areas like Shahbagh and Mirpur. They crash into people and vehicles because their drivers lack balance and are not adequately informed on how to drive properly. We don’t want them to be on the streets.

— Mohammad Shahjahan, peddler

On roads like Basila, these rickshaws are convenient but risky. Regular rickshaws are not available in some lanes, so we had to rely on battery-operated rickshaws to avoid changing vehicles multiple times during long journeys. They have made things easier and less expensive, but the risk is undeniable.

— Rubaiyat Zannat, regular commuter from Mohammadpur

Battery-operated rickshaws should only operate after proper technical inspections. Both the rickshaw and the driver must be licensed and their numbers must be regulated. Without such oversight, these vehicles will continue to threaten road safety and civic order.

— Abdullah Al Amin Khan Siam, student, University of Dhaka

We rickshaw pullers pay taxes to the government and work hard to earn a living. Meanwhile, battery rickshaw drivers are taking the easy way out, consuming too much electricity and driving recklessly. They should be banned for reasons of fairness and safety.

— Abdus Salam, paddle rickshaw puller

If you can teach them how to drive properly and give them appropriate penalties for breaking the rules of the road, they should be allowed to continue.

— Pakhi, housewife

Their recklessness has already cost lives, including that of a student at Jahangirnagar University. I think these vehicles should be banned before more lives are lost.

— Rawzatul Zannat Richi, doctor

I drive a battery-operated rickshaw to earn my daily living. Even if I could find another job, many like me won’t. They will be forced to resort to dishonest means like theft or theft if this ban is enforced. Cutting our jobs will only create more problems.

— Mohammad Khairul, battery rickshaw puller

These rickshaws do not have proper brakes, safety features, or policies governing their use. These are high-speed vehicles operating without a license, making them incredibly dangerous. For road safety and security reasons, they must be banned.

— Sauvik Debnath, privately employed

After inserting motors into the rickshaws, its excessive speed and recklessness made it another deadly vehicle in the city.

— Tahsin U Karim, student, University of Dhaka.