In his budget speech for the fiscal year 2025–26, Financial Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed announced that the government is formulating a comprehensive policy to manage electric autorickshaws, aiming to bring order and safety to this rapidly growing mode of urban transport.
Speaking on Monday during the unveiling of the proposed BDT 7.89 trillion budget, the adviser emphasized the government’s commitment to developing a sustainable, safe, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly road network.
As part of this commitment, the existing ‘Road Master Plan 2009’ is being updated to reflect current realities and future needs.
The upcoming policy on electric autorickshaws is expected to address regulatory gaps and operational issues, ensuring safer integration of these vehicles into the transport system, particularly in semi-urban and rural areas where their presence is most pronounced.
In the same speech, Ahmed also turned his attention to Bangladesh’s underperforming rail sector.
Describing rail as a globally popular option for safe, comfortable, and affordable transport, he acknowledged the country`s slow progress in this domain and pledged sweeping reforms.
To this end, the government is implementing projects under a 30-year Railway Master Plan, which includes the construction of double-line tracks, gauge unification, the introduction of modern signaling systems, enhanced connectivity with seaports, deployment of upgraded locomotives, and the adoption of electric traction.
The adviser noted that train services have already commenced from Dhaka to Jashore via Bhanga and that the construction of the Jamuna Railway Bridge has been completed, marking a significant milestone in rail connectivity.
These initiatives signal a focused shift toward modernizing Bangladesh`s transportation infrastructure, with particular attention to sustainable mobility and multimodal integration.
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