Illegal battery-run vehicles choke Jashore roads

Unregulated battery-operated rickshaws and three-wheelers have caused severe traffic congestion in Jashore town, disrupting daily life and increasing road safety risks for residents.
Despite official records showing 2,975 authorised easy-bikes and around 1,500 pedal rickshaws, sources estimate that more than 20,000 illegal battery-run vehicles are operating across the town. The excessive numbers has overwhelmed road capacity, leading to persistent traffic jams and frequent accidents. Busy intersections such as Doratana, Chitrar Mor, Hospital Mor and Monihar remain gridlocked for hours, while an influx of vehicles from nearby upazilas further worsens congestion.
On Tuesday, a local journalist Kazi Ashraful Azad was injured after being hit by a speedy auto-rickshaw while returning from dropping his daughter at school. He received treatment at Jashore General Hospital and was later released. Similar accidents are reported almost daily, raising alarm among residents.
Authorities said no new licences have been issued in the past eight years, yet illegal vehicles continue to operate freely. Many drivers are reportedly untrained, including teenagers unfamiliar with traffic rules, often driving recklessly and picking up or dropping passengers at random points.
Administrative sources alleged that influential political backing has made enforcement difficult. Although occasional drives are conducted, they have failed to bring lasting control. The growing number of battery-run vehicles is also increasing pressure on the local power supply due to high charging demand.
Dr Habiba Sultana Fowara, residential medical officer at Jashore General Hospital, said accident victims involving easy-bikes and auto-rickshaws are regularly brought in for treatment.
Traffic Police Inspector Md Yusuf Ali said a meeting with civil society representatives was held to address the issue, adding that further discussions are planned to finalise effective measures.