Fuel-free transport (FFT, often referred to as non-motorised transport or NMT), including rickshaws, is the main mode of transport in Dhaka City. Fuel-free vehicles (e.g. rickshaws, rickshaw vans, and bicycles) are ecofriendly, energy efficient, economically viable, require significantly less road space than their motorised counterparts, and provide very efficient door-todoor service for the majority of vehicular trips in Dhaka City, which are predominantly short trips.

However, it is a matter of deep regret that many transport officials years ago began an anti-rickshaw propaganda campaign which they successfully carried out in the media, turning popular opinion against rickshaws. According to the misinformation spread through the media and other channels, rickshaws, as slow-moving vehicles, are the main cause of Dhaka’s traffic jams, and should be banned from major roads. Since rickshaws are considered to blame for traffic jams—despite the heavy traffic jams on streets that have banned rickshaws—they are also blamed for the increasing levels of air pollution in Dhaka city. Apparently the one thing for which they are not entirely to blame are the completely unacceptable levels of noise pollution, though no doubt many would like to blame them for the honking of car drivers as well.

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