An estimated 5–8 million battery-run autorickshaws are currently operating across Bangladesh, including more than 48,000 in Dhaka alone. The government is losing around BDT 40 billion in revenue every year because the batteries of these vehicles are being charged illegally, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said.

He disclosed the figures in response to a notice submitted by BNP lawmaker Rehana Akhter Ranu in parliament on Monday regarding the uncontrolled operation of autorickshaws.

The minister said the vehicles played an important role in people’s daily lives but also created various problems, including health risks.

“Against the huge demand for autorickshaws, there are only 3,300 legal charging points. In contrast, we estimate that there are more than 48,000 informal and illegal charging points in Dhaka alone,” he said.

“This is putting additional pressure on the national grid and local distribution systems. The government is also losing around BDT 40 billion in annual revenue because of illegal electricity consumption,” he added.

Salahuddin Ahmed said policies and regulations had been formulated after considering various aspects to control the operation of battery-run autorickshaws on the capital’s roads. These would be implemented soon.

He said the government was considering several issues, including regulating drivers, designating routes, introducing environmentally friendly batteries and establishing a registration system.

He said the policies and regulations had been formulated after taking into account all relevant issues, including alternative employment opportunities for those dependent on the vehicles.

“The policies and regulations will be implemented soon,” he said.