The name of the vehicle causing road chaos and reckless driving is "battery-operated auto-rickshaws." The High Court has now ordered the cessation of these rickshaws within three days in the Dhaka metropolitan area.

This order was issued by the bench of Justice Fatema Nazib and Justice Mahmudur Razzaq.

According to BRTA sources, battery-operated rickshaws, vans, or similar types of three-wheelers are worsening road safety conditions in Dhaka city. The High Court has directed the shutdown of these fitness-deficient, rusty, dilapidated, and unsafe vehicles operating in the city, considering them a punishable offense.

These rickshaws do not follow any rules on the road, and they move in a disorderly manner, including parking haphazardly, causing frequent accidents. In recent months, the number of these rickshaws in Dhaka has increased to such an extent that controlling them has become nearly impossible. Reports indicate that these auto-rickshaws lack legal documentation and permission to operate on the streets, yet they continue to increase daily.

Currently, there are around 1.2 million rickshaws operating in the capital, with some estimates suggesting the number is much higher. A significant portion of these are battery-operated. Additionally, many old pedal-powered rickshaws are being converted into motorized ones by adding batteries. Despite several operations by the two city corporations, the illegal activities of these vehicles continue.

It has been found that battery-operated rickshaws are more prevalent in the alleys than on the main roads, contributing to severe traffic congestion. They disregard traffic rules and cause frequent accidents due to their reckless speed. When possible, these rickshaws also roam freely on main roads. Areas such as Khilgaon, Mugdapara, Manda, Basabo, Sipahibag, Madartek, Maniknagar, Jatrabari, Rampura, Banshree, Badda, Sayedabad, Jatrabari, Kadamtali, Shabujbagh, Shyampara, Demra, Mohammadpur, Bachila, Uttara, Bhatara, South Khan, North Khan, Maynatak, Mirpur, Pallabi, and Mohammadpur are particularly affected by the increasing number of these rickshaws. Locals report that the number of battery-operated rickshaws is growing every day in these areas. Additionally, the number of auto-rickshaw businesses is also rising, with anyone able to build and sell auto-rickshaws without the need for any legal paperwork.