Private sector estimates suggest the number of e-bikes exceeds 1.1 million, alongside battery rickshaws and other three-wheeled electric vehicles. Across four million vehicles, that means roughly 800 million kilograms of lead entering the environment annually. Daily charging of one million vehicles places enormous pressure on the national grid. Despite official bans, battery-powered rickshaws continue to operate on major roads, including VIP routes. Calls for regulation, not prohibitionPolicy experts argue that outright bans are neither realistic nor fair, given that millions depend on battery-powered vehicles for livelihoods and affordable transport.

Source: Dhaka Tribune January 17, 2026 19:12 UTC