Rickshaw pullers deserve better

Rickshaw pullers in Bangladesh face a daily struggle for survival. Despite their vital contribution to urban transport, especially in congested cities like Dhaka, they remain one of the most neglected segments of our workforce. Low earnings, debt to rickshaw owners, and lack of social protection continue to trap them in cycles of poverty.

Many rickshaw pullers work more than nine hours a day, often amid curfews and political unrest, just to provide for their families. Their job is physically exhausting and exposes them to numerous risks, including traffic congestion, harassment by passengers and police, and frequent accidents. Yet, they receive little recognition or support from the community at large.

Health issues are also widespread among rickshaw pullers. Prolonged exposure to air pollution, dust, and noise contributes to respiratory problems, hearing loss, and musculoskeletal pain. Still, most have no access to proper medical care, health insurance, or social safety nets. Their meagre income often forces them to take loans, trapping them in long-term debt.

The informal nature of the rickshaw-pulling sector leaves these workers vulnerable to exploitation and systemic neglect. They lack representation, have limited access to justice, and are rarely consulted in policymaking processes that affect their livelihoods.

The government and city corporations must take urgent steps to improve the lives of rickshaw pullers. This includes legal recognition, fair licensing systems, access to microfinance, and basic healthcare.

Md Tousif Raihan

Department of Criminology and Police Science

University of Chittagong