Unchecked swarms of e-bikes and rickshaws have plunged Jashore’s roads into relentless gridlock, turning everyday commutes into exhausting ordeals for its weary residents.

Traffic congestion across various parts of the city has reached such a level that movement has become nearly impossible in many areas. Not only vehicles but also pedestrians are struggling to move freely on the roads, according to commuters.

They alleged that the unregulated movement of easy bikes and rickshaws has now reached its peak, while the traffic police have failed to take effective measures. Questions have also been raised about the role of the municipality.

a drive to control unlicensed auto-rickshaws was recently launched, it has largely stalled amid protests, said pedestrian Rana Hossain.
During visits to different city areas, it was observed that the actual number of vehicles plying the roads is far higher than the number of authorized easy bikes and rickshaws.

Many of these vehicles come from surrounding upazilas, and “on-test” motorcycles also move freely. Traffic police activities appear mostly limited to checking motorcycle documents, while reckless motorcycle riding by teenage drivers has become a common sight.

According to Jashore Municipality, there are 7,768 vehicles—both legal and illegal—operating in the city. However, locals claim the real number is much higher. Engine-driven auto-rickshaws are reportedly the worst offenders.

Severe traffic jams occur daily from morning till night at Daratana Mor, Jail Road, Mujib Road, Garikhana Road, and Mikepatti areas. Traffic movement often comes to a complete standstill at Daratana Mor around noon, with police struggling to manage the situation.

Similar gridlocks are seen at Manihar, RN Road, Barabazar, Katherpool, and the Chuadanga bus stand areas.

Rana Hossain said, “There is no law and order in the city now…it has become difficult to even walk due to the number of easy bikes and rickshaws. Traffic police control is practically zero.”

Another resident, Mita Rahman, said she was stuck in traffic for about half an hour while traveling from Khajura Bus Stand to Queen’s Hospital. “Finally, I had to walk to Garibshah Road, but even that was difficult as the footpaths were occupied.”

Another pedestrian, Shafiqul Islam, said although the traffic police have taken special measures such as pulling ropes at busy intersections, the effort has only worsened the congestion. “Everyone competes to break the rules, making movement even more difficult.”

Many easy bike and rickshaw drivers admitted that they come from outside the city every morning and return at night. “We don’t follow all the rules, but we do it to earn a living. When there's a traffic jam, not only passengers but we also suffer. We get fewer trips, and our batteries drain faster,” said Harun, an auto-rickshaw driver.

Traffic inspector Mahfuzur Rahman said the number of vehicles in the city has gone out of control. “The municipality needs to conduct regular drives, but we’re trying our best to keep traffic flowing,” he said.

Rafiqul Hasan, administrator of Jashore Municipality, said the allegation that the drive against unlicensed auto-rickshaws has stopped is “not entirely correct.”

“The campaign will resume once the district administration gives the decision,” he said, seeking cooperation from civil society, the media and conscious citizens.

Recently, when the municipality launched a campaign to stop unlicensed auto-rickshaws, the workers protested.

After labor organisations linked to major political parties expressed solidarity with the protesters, the district administration temporarily suspended the campaign.

Locals believe this has worsened the traffic situation across Jashore city.

Rafiqul Hasan, administrator of Jashore Municipality, said the allegation that the drive against unlicensed auto-rickshaws has stopped is “not entirely correct.”

“The campaign will resume once the district administration gives the decision,” he said, seeking cooperation from civil society, the media and conscious citizens.

Recently, when the municipality launched a campaign to stop unlicensed auto-rickshaws, the workers protested.

After labor organisations linked to major political parties expressed solidarity with the protesters, the district administration temporarily suspended the campaign.

Locals believe this has worsened the traffic situation across Jashore city.