A new type of rickshaw called “Blessing" is likely to ply the city streets soon as researchers have developed the improved version of rickshaw, which is energy saving, less risky and more comfortable.

This was stated at a ceremony organised by Rotary Club of Metropolitan Dhaka on the occasion of the launching of technologically Improved three wheelers.

“We have taken this Initiative to improve the present rickshaw to make it more comfortably and to Reduce stress of its drivers.' said Dr. Muhammad Ahsan, team leader of ihe "Rickshaw Project'.

He termed rickshaw as an excellent vehicle for Bangladesh and said. "It is nonpolluting. small investment, labour intensive, which would help save hundreds of millions of foreign exchange every year.

"Considering all these and other facts, in collaboration with World Bank. Swedish Development Corporation (SDC) has taken up a programme to remove the inherent defects in the present-day rickshaws and make it more advanced." Ahsan said.

Dr. Ahsan said there were also moves to improve the present rickshaw around the world, without increasing the cost substantially, 'research has been going on in various countries including China. Vietnam. Thailand. Indonesia. India. Sri Lanka and Kenya'.

There is a huge demand for rickshaws in developed countries like Canada. France. United Kingdom and the United Stales.

The Rickshaw Project cost Taka 1.5 crore which was financed by the World Bank and SDC. Each of the improved versions of rickshaws would coast about Tk. 8.500.

The presentation ceremony organised al a city hotel, was attended by Monowar H. Chowdhury. Chief of the Engineering of Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) as the chief guest.