Rickshaws in Bangladesh
This is one of my favourite posts from 2010. I’ve added a few additional photographs. I’m pleased to post it again today.
Rickshaws are the most popular means of transportation in Bangladesh. In the capital Dhaka there are over 600,000 competing for passengers.
Rickshaw with passenger in Sylhet 1996
Rickshaws are covered with paintings of rural scenes, animals, film stars, the rich and the famous, great monuments and religious symbols. The dress of the passenger above compliments the art work on the rickshaw.
Celebrity rickshaw portraits, 2009
Rickshaws have become mobile works of art. Scores of people are employed to paint and decorate this popular form of human powered transport. In recent years computer generated images have joined hand painted patterns. The main aim of rickshaw art is to attract the attention of potential passengers.
River scene on a rickshaw, 2009
Rickshaw, Dhaka c. 1992
Rural scenes are a popular motif. The river scene above adorns the backboard of the rickshaw. Rickshaws are a cheap and popular mode of transport over short distances. Currently there is a battle between rickshaws and cars in Dhaka. Rickshaws are blamed for traffic congestion. However, rickshaws are safe, environmentally friendly and do not rely on fossil fuels. Many people rely on rickshaws. The industry employs people from 38 different professions.
Rickshaw art, Dhaka 2009
Dhaka cinema with rickshaws waiting outside, 1995
Rickshaw, Dhaka Bangladesh c. 1990
Rickshaw painting. Dhaka, Bangladesh 2009
Rickshaw and Canary Wharf, Photomontage 2010
Rickshaw driver waiting for a passenger. Dhaka, Bangladesh c.1991
Rickshaw ride. Bangladesh 2008
