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

This ongoing debate has been brought to the fore recently after a High Court order mandated the removal of all battery-powered rickshaws within three days. The move has prompted protests from battery rickshaw drivers, who claim it will deprive them of their livelihood. Meanwhile, manual rickshaw pullers, commuters and urban planners remain divided on the issue. We spoke to people from different walks of life to understand their perspective.

These battery-powered rickshaws have caused several accidents in areas like Shahbagh and Mirpur. They crash into people and vehicles because their drivers lack balance and training on how to drive properly. We don’t want them on the street.

— Mohammad Shahjahan, street vendor

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

— Rubaiyat Zannat, regular commuter from Mohammadpur

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

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

We paddle rickshaw pullers pay taxes to the government and work hard for our livelihood. Meanwhile, battery rickshaw drivers are taking the easy way out, consuming too much electricity and driving recklessly. They should be banned for justice and safety.

— Abdus Salam, paddle rickshaw puller

If you can teach them proper traffic and give proper penalties for not obeying the traffic rules, they should be allowed to continue.

— Pakhi, housewife

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

— Rawzatul Zannat Richi, physician

I drive a battery powered rickshaw to earn my daily living. Even if I can find other work, many like me will not. They will be forced into dishonest practices such as theft or robbery if this ban is enforced. Taking away our jobs will only create more problems.

— Mohammad Khairul, battery-powered rickshaw puller

These rickshaws do not have proper brakes, safety features or policies governing their use. They are high-speed vehicles that are driven without licenses, which makes them incredibly dangerous. For the sake of road order and safety, they must be banned.

— Sauvik Debnath, private job holder

After putting engines in the rickshaws, its over speed and recklessness has made it yet another fatal vehicle in the city.

— Tahsin U Karim, student, University of Dhaka.