Rickshaw debate
Photo: Azizur Rahim peu / driknews
The newspapers are full of feedback from the readers on the cycle rickshaw nuisance in Dhaka city (apart from the talk shows of the experts on the electronic media). I have been living in Dhaka since my schooldays (several decades ago), and have grown along with the city's problems and developments. I remember when there were no cycle rickshaws, and the hackney carriages charged one rupee for every three hours (when the pound sterling was Rs 12 only; beef was four annas per seer, and messing charge was less than Rs 20/pm. Before entering the (forest) management side, we have to be clear why Dacca (now Dhaka) is so attractive to all economic groups in society. It is the centralisation of almost all powers in the capital/metropolis for decades; especially sine 1972. The divisions, districts and the local bodies have to depend entirely on the political monopoly concentrated at one spot in Bangladesh. This system cannot work in a country with the highest density of population in the world (about 1,000 per sq km). What's wrong with provincial governance? More MPs for less people--operating from six points in the country. Dhaka is going to break up in the near future; geologically (underwater water levels); through poor administration, and traffic jams. Strengthen divisional, district and local bodies administrations, so people do not have to make pilgrimages to Dhaka regularly throughout the year, for clearance and documentation. Now IT (email, Internet, computer network) can solve many hassles and remove grey areas. E-governance is a strong deterrent against corrupt practices. We have started the process by undertaking a huge project, digital ID voter/national cards--it is a huge achievement in an LDC. The helplessness of the DCC is laughable. Why blame the helpless rickshaw drivers, when the level of governance is amateurish, and the political masters encourage professional and moral lapses? Concentrate or diversify? Why mega tenders take decades to decide? We could have been self-sufficient in coal one decade ago. The vast majority of Dhaka residents need cycle rickshaws for short trips; and for trips outside the bus routes. The bus route permit system needs to be reviewed, as also the sizes of the city buses. It is a silly decision to allow huge mega-buses to ply on the narrow streets (and that too N-W). The footprints are very large, especially on the right turns. Two or three mini buses could replace one mega bus and create less traffic jam. The bus stops are not properly planned, creating congestion. Why the ticket sellers have to sit on the footpath; and flee on police raids? Illegal? How much is the shortage of legal bus stops? There are no cycle and rickshaw lanes. It is unpractical to ban rickshaws from the main roads (longer rickshaw trips through detours and diversion cost more ; and school children and women suffer). Why give priority to thousands of private cars? In many cities around the world, the city taxes on private cars have been raised (the owners can afford it). The problem is not the rickshaws -- it is the number plying the streets. Control it, but maintain the service (you have to be honest and dedicated-that is the catch!). One point to consider. Why there is such a huge demand for rickshaw rides? Demand and supply go where food is available.
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