Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan today inaugurated a pilot project for three-wheeled, low-speed, battery-powered e-rickshaws in Aftabnagar under Dhaka South City Corporation. Photo : PID

DHAKA, Jan 03, 2026 (BSS) - Road Transport and Bridges Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan today said accidents are caused primarily by chaos and non-compliance with traffic rules, not by a shortage of roads.

He made the remarks while inaugurating a pilot project for three-wheeled, low-speed, battery-powered e-rickshaws in Aftabnagar under Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC), developed by the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET). 

"This project has been launched to ensure disciplined and safe travel, and it will be expanded across Dhaka soon," Fouzul added.

The inauguration ceremony was presided over by Md. Rezaul Maksud Zahedi, Secretary of the Local Government Department.

The program was also formally inaugurated at two locations in the Jigatola area under DSCC.

LGRD and Cooperatives Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan said, "To introduce e-rickshaws effectively in Dhaka, their design, structure, braking system and battery safety must be scientifically tested."

This pilot program will verify those standards on real roads. The ultimate goal is to establish a disciplined urban transport system by controlling uncontrolled battery-powered rickshaws and easy bikes, he added.

Chief Adviser's Special Assistant Sheikh Moinuddin said, "E-rickshaws are not just vehicles; they are part of a planned urban transport system. A sustainable transport system in Dhaka can be developed only through technology, design, and management."

Special Assistant for defense and national reconciliation affairs Lieutenant General (retd) Abdul Hafiz said, "Safety is the top priority in urban transport. The structural stability, speed control, and safety features of these e-rickshaws will play an effective role in reducing accidents."

Special Assistant on Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Faiz Ahmed Taiyeb said, "A modern city is not possible without technology-based transport. This e-rickshaw will serve as a smart urban transport model using geo-fencing and digital control systems."

Dhaka North City Corporation Administrator Mohammad Ejaz said, "Our main goal is to ensure rickshaw drivers receive training and licensing. Only trained and licensed drivers will be allowed to operate e-rickshaws in designated areas, ensuring passenger safety and road discipline."

DSCC Administrator Md Mahmudul Hasan said, "Based on the pilot program experience, e-rickshaws will be expanded citywide. Existing pedal rickshaws will also be gradually upgraded to modern, safe e-rickshaws."

According to DNCC sources, BUET prepared a standard e-rickshaw design to regulate the uncontrolled and illegal operation of battery-powered rickshaws and easy bikes in Dhaka. The design was later approved by the ministry's technical committee before starting the pilot program.

The new e-rickshaws feature advanced braking and speed control systems and environmentally friendly 38-volt lithium batteries that can travel 70-80 kilometers on a single charge.

Training and licensing are mandatory for e-rickshaw drivers, and around 24,000 rickshaw operators have already been trained and licensed by Dhaka North and South City Corporations.