News Flash
DHAKA, Sept 8, 2026 (BSS) - Road Transport and Bridges, Shipping and Railways Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam today said that there is no scope for allowing the auto-rickshaws to operate on national highways.
“Many people are directly dependent on the auto-rickshaws for their livelihoods… Taking into consideration, the government will take measures in phases to resolve the problems.” he made the remarks while talking to the journalists at a programme here.
The fish-fry release and tree-planting programme was held in city’s Dhanmondi area.
Rabiul said the government does not support the operation of the auto-rickshaws on national highways and that steps are already being taken to regulate them.
He said a specific and effective policy is needed to determine where the auto-rickshaws will be allowed to operate.
“We are not in favour of the auto-rickshaws operating on national highways. We want to regulate them and we are regulating them. A specific policy is urgently needed to determine where the auto-rickshaws can and cannot operate,” he said.
The minister said a policy for regulating the auto-rickshaws should be formulated through coordination among the highway police and all authorities involved in highway management.
However, he said, there would be no scope under any policy to permit the auto-rickshaw operations on highways.
Explaining why the government is taking measures in phases, Alam said many people are now directly dependent on the auto-rickshaws for their livelihoods and are a part of the society.
“Therefore, merely regulating the vehicles will not solve the problem. The livelihoods of the people associated with them must also be taken into consideration,” he said.
He said the government would adopt a supportive approach toward those who might be affected by the regulation of the auto-rickshaws.
“The issue is how their livelihoods can be brought under a regulated system and organised in a disciplined manner. That will also be given importance and considered,” he said.
The minister also stressed the need to ensure accountability in the operation of the auto-rickshaws.
He said that even if the auto-rickshaws are permitted to operate in a particular area, proper accountability must be maintained regarding both the drivers and the vehicles. Minimum qualifications for the auto-rickshaw drivers should also be determined, he added.
These issues will be incorporated into the proposed policy and enforced strictly, he said, adding that the auto-rickshaw management should cover not only where the vehicles can or cannot operate but also drivers’ qualifications, authorization of vehicles and accountability of the relevant authorities.
Regarding the responsibility for highway management, the minister said one of the key responsibilities of the Communications Ministry is to construct, preserve and maintain roads and highways.
“These activities can be carried out immediately whenever necessary and they are being carried out,” he said.
“I build the highways, but I do not authorize the vehicles to operate on them,” he said.
However, he pointed out that several authorities are involved in overall highway management, making it impossible for the Communications Ministry alone to resolve all types of problems.
Rabiul said coordination among the various authorities involved in the highway management is already underway.
“But if any incompetence or disorder is found in the overall management of highways, it is not right to place the entire responsibility solely on me, because my involvement in this area is limited and my scope to act is also specific,” he said.
He further said the management of highways and resolution of all forms of disorder do not rest solely with the Communications Ministry. Other ministries, departments and relevant agencies also have responsibilities in this regard.
“Discipline can be restored on the highways only through coordinated initiatives,” he said.
Leaders from different levels of Dhanmondi Youth Club were present at the programme, chaired by the club president and former convener of Dhaka Metropolitan East Chhatra Dal Sheikh Khalid Hasan Jacky.
