BUET’s Battery Rickshaw Master Trainers Selected from Anti-Discrimination Student Leaders, Microcredit Available for Rickshaw Purchase

Staff Correspondent | April 29, 2025

A team from the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) has designed a new battery-powered rickshaw model for Dhaka’s roads, claiming it is significantly safer than conventional rickshaws.

Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, an advisor to the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development, and Co-operatives, is expected to approve these rickshaws.

However, drivers will need licenses to operate these vehicles, necessitating amendments to the Local Government (City Corporation) Act 2009. A draft proposal will soon be presented at the advisory council meeting.

According to BUET, the new battery-powered rickshaws are akin to electric three-wheelers and incorporate 16 unique features while addressing the safety flaws of the 12 existing types of battery rickshaws in the country.

To train drivers, BUET plans to recruit 300 master trainers. The Youth Development Department, in consultation with anti-discrimination student activists, will prioritize experienced individuals in traffic management for these roles, using a quota system exclusively for Anti-discrimination student activists.

Both Dhaka North and South City Corporations have agreed to allow these new rickshaws on the roads, gradually phasing out older models. Current battery-powered rickshaw drivers will have one year to transition to the new model.

To facilitate this transition, Bangladesh Bank and the Microcredit Regulatory Authority (MRA) will offer microcredit loans for rickshaw purchases.

At present, two types of rickshaws operate in Dhaka—pedal-powered and battery-powered. The latter has grown in popularity due to its lower physical exertion for drivers, higher speed, and cost-effectiveness for passengers compared to CNG-powered autorickshaws.

Affectionately dubbed “Tesla” by many Dhaka residents, battery-powered rickshaws are now a preferred mode of transport in the city.