Abstract:
This paper is based on a study drawing on information from different
groups of people engaged in rickshaw pulling in Dhaka city. General Objective of
this study is to consider the socio-economic benefits of rickshaw-pulling with special
reference to ‘Income’, ‘Employment’ and ‘Services’ in Dhaka city. Now-a-days
Rickshaws are found as an efficient, versatile and sustainable form of transportation.
A large number of people are directly and indirectly engaged with this profession
who are contributing to our national economy. Besides, rickshaw pulling, the
business of owning, painting, manufacturing, repairing and renting out are also
directly contributing to the economy of Bangladesh. Rickshaw pulling is crucial to
employment and the socio-economic structure of Bangladesh, especially amongst the
poorest sections of society. Three ideas constitute the central message of this study.
Firstly, a large number of people are generating income by pulling rickshaws which
helps them and their dependent family members to live from hand to mouth.
Secondly, rickshaw pulling is a source of employment to other people also who are
involved in this industry like owner, manufacturer, garage owner, repair shop
owner, small food shop owner etc. People who are illiterate, unskilled and lacking
capital, rickshaw pulling is an easy option to get employment. Their dependent
family members are also benefited in this way. Thirdly, Rickshaw offers a moderately
acceptable service within reasonable cost range and it is also a pollution free vehicle
compared to other non private modes. Sometimes they are found as the only mode of
transport in those areas where other motorized vehicles can not run. But some
adverse effects are also noticeable such as traffic congestion due to slow and fast
moving vehicles are plying on the same road. If separate lane for rickshaws is
arranged beside the main roads and if rickshaws are not allowed to enter the main
road, society will be relieved of traffic congestion which presents some threatening
situation in the transportation sector of Bangladesh.
