Dhaka, Sept 8 (V7N) – Road Transport and Bridges, Shipping and Railways Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam today said there is no scope for allowing auto-rickshaws to operate on national highways, but the government will take phased measures to address the issue, taking into consideration the livelihoods of those dependent on the vehicles.
“Many people are directly dependent on the auto-rickshaws for their livelihoods… Taking that into consideration, the government will take measures in phases to resolve the problems,” he said while talking to journalists at a fish-fry release and tree-planting programme in Dhanmondi.
The minister said the government does not support the operation of auto-rickshaws on national highways and that steps are already being taken to regulate them. “A specific and effective policy is needed to determine where the auto-rickshaws will be allowed to operate,” he said.
“We are not in favour of the auto-rickshaws operating on national highways. We want to regulate them and we are regulating them. A specific policy is urgently needed to determine where the auto-rickshaws can and cannot operate,” he said.
The minister said a policy for regulating auto-rickshaws should be formulated through coordination among the highway police and all authorities involved in highway management. However, he stressed that there would be no scope under any policy to permit auto-rickshaw operations on highways.
Explaining why the government is taking measures in phases, Alam said many people are now directly dependent on auto-rickshaws for their livelihoods and are a part of society. “Therefore, merely regulating the vehicles will not solve the problem. The livelihoods of the people associated with them must also be taken into consideration,” he said.
The government would adopt a supportive approach toward those who might be affected by the regulation of auto-rickshaws. “The issue is how their livelihoods can be brought under a regulated system and organised in a disciplined manner. That will also be given importance and considered,” he said.The minister stressed the need to ensure accountability in the operation of auto-rickshaws. Even if auto-rickshaws are permitted to operate in a particular area, proper accountability must be maintained regarding both drivers and vehicles. Minimum qualifications for auto-rickshaw drivers should also be determined, he added.
These issues will be incorporated into the proposed policy and enforced strictly, with auto-rickshaw management covering not only where vehicles can or cannot operate but also drivers' qualifications, authorization of vehicles and accountability of relevant authorities.
Regarding the responsibility for highway management, the minister said one of the key responsibilities of the Communications Ministry is to construct, preserve and maintain roads and highways. “These activities can be carried out immediately whenever necessary and they are being carried out,” he said.
However, he pointed out that several authorities are involved in overall highway management, making it impossible for the Communications Ministry alone to resolve all types of problems. “If any incompetence or disorder is found in the overall management of highways, it is not right to place the entire responsibility solely on me, because my involvement in this area is limited and my scope to act is also specific,” he said.
The minister further said the management of highways does not rest solely with the Communications Ministry—other ministries, departments and relevant agencies also have responsibilities. “Discipline can be restored on the highways only through coordinated initiatives,” he said.
Leaders from different levels of Dhanmondi Youth Club were present at the programme, chaired by the club president and former convener of Dhaka Metropolitan East Chhatra Dal Sheikh Khalid Hasan Jacky. The government has been working on a broader policy framework to regulate auto-rickshaws across the country, with the Local Government Division preparing draft rules for e-rickshaw management. Meanwhile, the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority has opposed the move, arguing that all motorised vehicles should fall under its purview. The State Minister for Local Government has indicated that the draft rules would be sent to the Law Ministry for vetting soon.
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