E-Rickshaws to Enter Dhaka Streets in August with Strict Guidelines
Battery-powered three-wheeled electric rickshaws, commonly referred to as e-rickshaws, will begin operating in Dhaka’s Paltan, Dhanmondi, and Uttara areas from the first week of August. The e-rickshaws will operate strictly in the left lanes to avoid traffic congestion, with drivers instructed to adhere to new guidelines and restrictions.
According to officials, 300 trainees are currently undergoing e-rickshaw operation training as part of the first phase. These trainees will later train drivers to ensure full compliance with the new standards.
Local Government Advisor Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan made the announcement on Saturday, June 28, at an event held at the Nagar Bhaban of Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC). He emphasized that “mobile phone use while driving is prohibited and will be considered a punishable offense.” Additionally, the e-rickshaws will not operate outside designated city corporation areas, nor will they carry more than two passengers or bear excess loads. Overtaking, unauthorized lane changes, and use of high-volume horns—specifically those exceeding 40 decibels—will not be allowed.
Asif Bhuiyan said, “We have outlined a full implementation strategy. Both the vehicles and the drivers will be registered online to eliminate illegal transactions. A rickshaw app will be launched where all rules and guidelines will be accessible. These rickshaws will operate only within their assigned zones.”
He further added, “We consider them [drivers] to be vital stakeholders in the July uprising. They will earn legally and face no obstruction.”
DNCC Administrator Mohammad Ejaz noted that “from early August, these new rickshaws will be operational on the roads. Training and licensing will be provided to 100,000 auto-rickshaw drivers. Work is also underway to establish authorized charging stations.”
It was also revealed that a regulatory framework for e-rickshaw operation has already been formulated. Officially titled Three-Wheeled Low-Speed Battery-Powered Rickshaw (E-Rickshaw) Operation Regulations, 2025, the policy outlines general road usage and passenger transport guidelines.
According to the regulation, “Three-wheeled low-speed battery-powered rickshaws (e-rickshaws) will only operate on routes designated by the relevant city corporation and traffic police division.” These vehicles are strictly prohibited from highways, expressways, elevated expressways, and roads primarily used by buses. Unauthorized operation on pedestrian sidewalks or unapproved streets will also be strictly prohibited.
