The number of battery-run autorickshaws on every road has multiplied several times compared to earlier in Bhola town.
These uncontrolled rickshaws, votvoti, autorickshaws, CNGs, three-wheelers, and other risky vehicles are plying even on highways.
With unskilled, elderly, and underage drivers at the steering wheel, accidents are occurring frequently, costing lives. These three-wheelers have spread from narrow lanes to the main roads. Even pedal-less battery rickshaws are moving onto highways. At times, they drive on the wrong side of the road. Many turn suddenly without looking right-left or following signals, often toppling and injuring passengers.
Not only town rickshaws, but battery-run autorickshaws and easybikes from outside Bhola have also entered the main roads. This is creating traffic jams, chaos, and obstruction. The presence of these light three-wheelers alongside heavy motor vehicles increases the risk of accidents. In town alleys, garages for autorickshaws have sprung up. These vehicles run from dawn until midnight.
There are no official statistics on how many rickshaws are in Bhola. It is assumed that currently over one lakh three-wheelers are operating in Bhola, of which about 20,000 run in the town alone. Most of these autorickshaws are illegal. Recently, battery-run rickshaws and autorickshaws from outside Bhola have also been operating indiscriminately on highways.
A pedal rickshaw costs only Tk. 22,000–25,000 to build, while a battery-run rickshaw costs about Tk. 50,000–60,000. Officially, battery-run rickshaws are not approved. According to BRTA, from 01/01/2023 to 27/08/2025, only 305 CNG autorickshaws were registered. Bhola Municipality records for 2023–2024 fiscal year show 78 Borak and 1,067 Mishuk-type autorickshaws were registered. But in reality, thousands are running in Bhola town.
The result is severe disorder and traffic congestion on Bhola’s roads. Experts identify rickshaw movement on highways as a key cause. Rickshaws often stop anywhere on the road, lining one side entirely. With a speed of only 20–30 km/h, rickshaws slow down heavy vehicles too, causing jams. Heavy vehicle drivers say rickshaws on highways are dangerous as they stop randomly, narrowing roads.
Bus driver Jasim Uddin said, “Because of CNGs and autorickshaws on highways, it’s difficult to drive. If one is in front, the bus cannot pick up speed. Now autorickshaws run everywhere in Bhola—even on Bhola–Charfassion, Bhola–Barisal, Bhola–Jessore, Bhola–Lakshmipur, and Chattogram highways. They drive very fast, raising accident risks.”
A motorcyclist said, “Rickshaws don’t have looking glasses. They suddenly turn left-right without checking behind, leading to crashes with faster vehicles.”
Talking to autorickshaw drivers like Aslam, Humayun, and Jahangir at Bhola garages, they said, “Driving battery autorickshaws is illegal, but for livelihood we are forced to. Earnings are better outside the town as fares are higher. With this, we manage family expenses.”
Driver Abdu Gani Mia said, “I used to be a carpenter in Shibpur, but income was low. My friend Hossain advised me to come to Bhola to drive autorickshaws. As rents are higher here, I earn well—Tk. 1,000–1,200 per day after expenses.”
Md. Solaiman Mamun, President of Nirapad Sarak Chai (NISCHA) Bhola District, said, “Uncontrolled growth of battery-run rickshaws has worsened the situation. Previously limited to alleys, now they dominate highways, creating anarchy. Illiterate drivers disrupt road safety. With no license or legal documents, police struggle to control them. They need training.”
A BRTA official (anonymous) said, “These vehicles are illegal under the Road Transport Act 2018. Municipalities are issuing licenses, but drivers are unaware of traffic rules, parking, or road use. The matter will be raised in the next District Law and Order Committee meeting.”
Md. Gani, District Traffic Police Officer (TI), said, “Bhola has far more autorickshaws and easybikes than needed. Drives against illegal three-wheelers are ongoing. Police are working in 5 spots to reduce traffic jams, and additional forces are deployed. Soon, Bhola will be free from traffic congestion.”
Md. Abul Kalam Azad, Bhola Municipal Executive Officer, said, “Autorickshaws must be removed from main roads immediately. Even if they run on branch roads, proper planning is needed. Necessary steps will be taken with municipalities and other authorities.
Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) has declared that, under road safety regulations, all three-wheeled motorized and non-motorized vehicles are prohibited on national highways, and this ban will remain.
A BRTA press release on Wednesday stated that violations have been observed, with such vehicles operating illegally on highways, leading to accidents and public resentment.
Therefore, as per road safety laws, three-wheelers, autorickshaws/autotempos, and non-motorized vehicles are banned on all national highways.
However, in areas without CNG filling stations, these vehicles may collect fuel from nearby highway-side stations between 6–8 AM without carrying passengers. Any violation will result in legal action.
