Battery-run autorickshaws to operate under new guidelines: Road minister
He said guidelines for regulating the autorickshaws were being drafted and a decision could be made soon.
Battery-run autorickshaws in Dhaka will be brought under a policy framework, with their movement on main roads and key areas to be regulated, Road Transport and Bridges, Railways and Shipping Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam said today (6 October).
He said guidelines for regulating the autorickshaws were being drafted and a decision could be made soon.
The minister made the remarks while speaking to reporters at the inauguration of excavation and development work at Dhanmondi Lake in the capital this morning.
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"The way autorickshaws move uncontrollably all over Dhaka city, this city is not functioning – you know very well, and citizens know it too. We are concerned about this matter," he said.
The minister said the livelihoods of autorickshaw drivers were also being considered.
"They have also been associated with this profession for a long time. Naturally, it will be hard for them too. But in the greater interest, all of us must agree to overcome this mismanagement," he said.
"In light of a policy framework and through a process, we want to do this without harming anyone. However, Dhaka city will not be allowed to become dysfunctional for the interest of any group. This is our stance," he added.
Responding to a question about Jamaat-e-Islami's political stance, Rabiul Alam said he believed the party had failed at various times to understand the country's political reality and people's expectations.
"What constitutes a citizen's right, what involves protecting Dhaka, and what is a citizen's demand – they have always been incapable of understanding these," he said.
Dhanmondi Lake development
Speaking about the development of Dhanmondi Lake, the minister said dredging and silt removal had begun as part of a long-standing demand and his electoral commitment.
Around 1,65,000 cubic metres of silt will be removed, with a target of removing nearly 700 cubic metres a day. Two projects have been undertaken for the overall development of the lake.
He said the lake's environment and infrastructure would be developed according to a detailed design, with civic amenities including a library, gym, cafe and Nazrul Mancha.
Walkways will also be redesigned and green spaces developed to create an environment for leisure and recreation.
The minister said around two and a half years had been allocated for the silt removal and infrastructure development work. He stressed that regular maintenance would also be necessary and urged citizens not to dump waste into the lake.
Dhaka South City Corporation Administrator Abdus Salam said plans to develop Dhanmondi Lake had existed for a long time, but organising and starting the work had taken time.
He said work would initially focus on removing sludge from the bottom of the lake, which would also help clean the water. Sidewalls would then be renovated, walkways expanded and modernised, plants arranged and lighting installed.
There are also plans to introduce speedboats for children and develop roads, footpaths and other civic facilities around the lake.
Abdus Salam said a library, cafeteria and seating areas for studying would be added alongside Nazrul Mancha to create opportunities for cultural events.
He said efforts were being made to develop Dhanmondi Lake as a cultural and entertainment centre similar to Rabindra Sarobar, but cooperation from citizens, including Dhanmondi residents, would be needed to keep the lake clean and beautiful.
