DIU Launches Rickshaw Survey and Tracking Project to Improve Local Transport Management

At a time when the overall management of auto-rickshaws in the country faces various challenges, Daffodil International University (DIU) has launched a research-based auto-rickshaw survey and tracking initiative in coordination with auto-rickshaw owners in areas surrounding the university. The initiative aims to help ensure fair fares, passenger safety and the protection of the interests of auto-rickshaw owners and drivers through mutual understanding and cooperation.

As part of the university’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities, the initiative was launched on Thursday, 12 November, at 10:00 am on the university campus under the supervision of the Department of Security and Safety Management (SSM). The university expects that the initiative will benefit not only its students but also local auto-rickshaw owners, drivers and passengers.

The inaugural programme was attended by Professor Dr. Syed Mizanur Rahman, Professor and Associate Dean of the Faculty of Business and Entrepreneurship; Professor Dr. Sheikh Muhammad Allaiar, Proctor; Professor Dr. Bimal Chandra Das, Dean of the Department of Computer Science and Engineering (CSE); Deputy Registrar Md. Ishaq Mizi; officials from different university departments, relevant stakeholders and representatives of local auto-rickshaw owners. The programme was conducted by Major (Retd.) Md. Shah Alam, PSC, MPhil (DU), Director of the Department of Security and Safety Management.

The university authorities said that an integrated, data-based system is necessary to ensure proper management of the large number of auto-rickshaws operating on and around the campus while protecting the interests of all concerned. Through this initiative, information about auto-rickshaw owners and drivers will be recorded, vehicles will be identifiable, and contact with the relevant individuals will be easier when needed. The system is also expected to contribute to passenger safety, fair fares, discipline and accountability in the local transport system.

Welcoming the initiative, representatives of local auto-rickshaw owners described it as a timely step in the current context. They said it would benefit university students as well as auto-rickshaw owners and drivers. In the event of an accident or any unexpected situation, the registered information will make it easier to seek assistance quickly. They also noted that proper identification of vehicles and verification of ownership would help improve their professional security and strengthen passengers’ confidence. They expressed their gratitude to the university authorities for undertaking this public welfare initiative.

The survey and tracking programme is being conducted entirely free of charge with funding from the university. Initially, the university has set a target of bringing 2,500 auto-rickshaws under the programme. Around 200 auto-rickshaws have already been registered, and the registration process is continuing to bring the remaining vehicles under the initiative.

As part of the programme, necessary information about auto-rickshaw owners operating on different routes, including their names, National Identity Card numbers, mobile numbers and permanent addresses, is being collected and stored in a central digital database. In addition, each registered auto-rickshaw is being assigned a unique five-digit identification number, which is displayed visibly at the rear of the vehicle. This will make it possible to quickly identify the vehicle and its owner in cases involving accidents, traffic law violations, passenger harassment or criminal activities.

Furthermore, as the internal roads of Daffodil Smart City are covered by CCTV cameras, the university is integrating the auto-rickshaw registration and identification system with its existing surveillance infrastructure. The university expects this coordination to make vehicle identification, security monitoring and timely responses to any unexpected incidents more effective.

Through this initiative, Daffodil International University aims to strengthen cooperation between the university and the local community. Alongside ensuring safer transportation for students, the project seeks to protect the interests of auto-rickshaw owners and drivers, support a fair fare system, and promote discipline and accountability in local transport management. Its broader goal is to help create a safer and more passenger-friendly transport environment.