Rickshaws in Bangladesh

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Rickshaws in Bangladesh are a ubiquitous form of transportation, used for various purposes such as carrying passengers and delivering goods. These vehicles come in various shapes and sizes, powered by human pedalling, batteries, or fuel engines. Introduced as early as 1919, rickshaws have since become an integral part of Bangladesh's urban landscape. Despite their substantial economic and cultural impact, with rickshaws and rickshaw art recognised as "intangible heritage" by UNESCO and accounting for six per cent of GDP, they have faced neglect in urban planning and periodic attempts to phase them out. Many cities have stopped issuing new rickshaw licenses, yet their numbers keep increasing.

Traditional cycle rickshaws have been criticised for causing traffic congestion and their inefficient design. More recently, battery-powered rickshaws have surged in popularity, but face scrutiny over safety concerns for both riders and environmental impact. Despite these issues, rickshaws remain an essential part of Bangladesh's transportation ecosystem.