Bangladesh could develop a competitive electric three-wheeler manufacturing industry to meet the fast-growing domestic demand and tap export markets if the government introduces internationally compliant technical standards and a certification system, according to experts, manufacturers and industry stakeholders.
They said the absence of recognised standards and a regulatory framework has left the sector largely informal, with an estimated 4.0 million battery-driven three-wheelers operating without legal recognition despite widespread use of these vehicles across the country.
The experts observed that the government did not recognise battery-operated three-wheelers as standard vehicles by not allowing registration, but on the other hand it allows them to operate without a structured regulatory framework, exposing passengers and other road users to safety risks.
They made the observations at a consultation on the draft Electric Vehicle (EV) Industry Development Policy 2026, jointly organised by the Ministry of Industries and Germany's development agency GIZ in the capital on Thursday.
The consultation was attended by representatives from different ministries and government agencies, EV manufacturers, component producers, transport owners and industry associations.
Industries Secretary Abdun Nasser Khan attended the programme as chief guest. GIZ Bangladesh Country Director Mark Gombert, Deputy Head of Development Cooperation at the German Embassy Jannis Hussain and Additional Secretary AKM Benjamin Riazi also addressed the inaugural session.
Additional Secretary of the Road Transport and Highways Division Mohammad Anisur Rahman, Professor Mohammad Ehsan of the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), Acting Secretary General of the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry AKM Asaduzzaman Patwary, and Runner Group Chairman Hafizur Rahman Khan attended as panelists.
Joint Secretary (Policy) of the Ministry of Industries Sultana Yasmin presented the key features of the draft EV Industry Development Policy 2026.
Runner Group Chairman Hafizur Rahman Khan said local manufacturers have the capacity to produce safe and quality electric three-wheelers, but the lack of certification standards and a regulatory framework has constrained investment, technological advancement and industrial growth.
He urged the government to address these issues in the final EV policy.
Industries Secretary Abdun Nasser Khan underscored the importance of integrating Bangladesh into the Global Value Chain (GVC) into the policy, saying the country needs a forward-looking and comprehensive EV policy to transform itself from an importer into a manufacturer of electric vehicles.
Jannis Hussain said Bangladesh's extensive network of electric three-wheelers presents a unique opportunity to support climate goals while strengthening local manufacturing through formalisation and appropriate regulation.
"A sound policy framework is the first step towards achieving the target of increasing electric vehicles' share to 30 per cent by 2030," he said.
smunima@yahoo.com
'Technical standards' can help build e-three-wheeler industry
FE REPORT | Published: July 09, 2026 22:32:48
'Technical standards' can help build e-three-wheeler industry
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