During the Eid holidays, the streets of Dhaka have become a playground for reckless autorickshaws, leading to an alarming rise in road accidents. With the city nearly empty as millions travel to their hometowns for the festivities, the usual congestion has vanished, leaving behind open roads that autorickshaw drivers are exploiting with unchecked speed. According to Dhaka Metropolitan Traffic Division, more than 50 accidents involving autorickshaws have occurred in the past five days, injuring over a hundred people. Experts emphasize the need for stricter regulations to curb their unrestricted movement, while authorities urge citizens to exercise caution.

With public transport in short supply, many city dwellers are left with no option but to rely on autorickshaws for affordable and fast travel. However, this convenience comes at a cost, as the three-wheeled vehicles, notorious for their faulty brakes and erratic movement, pose a significant safety risk. Bus drivers express their frustration, stating that sharing the road with these vehicles is nearly impossible due to their reckless driving. They argue that autorickshaws should be restricted from main roads and urge law enforcement to take decisive action.

Traffic police advise passengers to remain cautious while using autorickshaws, urging them to encourage drivers to maintain a controlled speed and avoid prohibited roads. Experts from BUET’s Accident Research Institute highlight that without effective regulation of three-wheelers and battery-operated rickshaws, road safety in Bangladesh will continue to deteriorate. They stress the importance of strict monitoring, limiting charging stations, and preventing unauthorized entry onto major roads.

As accidents continue to mount, authorities warn that unless concrete steps are taken, the chaotic presence of autorickshaws will further endanger public safety.