Fazlu risks a week's income to earn a day's wage

As torrential rain submerged many roads in the capital this morning (13 July), Fazlu had little choice but to bring out his rented battery-run auto-rickshaw.

"If I don't go out, I earn nothing. But if I do, I keep worrying that water will damage the controller or motor," he told The Business Standard.

According to Fazlu, repairing a damaged controller costs around Tk1,300 to Tk1,400, while replacing a motor can cost between Tk5,000 and Tk6,000. 

During repairs, he has no income, but his expenses continue.

For Fazlu, every rainy day is a difficult calculation between earning enough to support his family and risking repair bills that could erase several days' income.

He moved to Dhaka from Rangpur five years ago in search of work. He now drives the rented battery-powered auto-rickshaw across the city while his wife and three children remain in their village. He lives in a garage in Dhaka.

His daily income covers his living expenses, the vehicle rental and the cost of supporting his family. Prolonged rainfall and waterlogging, however, can quickly disrupt that fragile balance.

"We rent the vehicle on a weekly basis. Even if I can't drive, I still have to pay the daily rental. If the vehicle stays in the garage, there is no income," he said.

Fazlu said rickshaw pullers, rather than owners, bear most of the financial risks associated with rented auto-rickshaws.

"If police seize the vehicle, the driver has to pay to get it released. If it's impounded, the driver bears the cost. Whatever happens on the road, the responsibility falls on us," he said.

Heavy rain also increases tensions with passengers. Many drivers avoid flooded roads to reduce the risk of damage, while requests for higher fares often trigger complaints.

"Some roads are too risky. I don't feel comfortable asking for higher fares, so I sometimes refuse trips. Then passengers tell me, 'You came out to earn money, didn't you?'"