Paper short abstract:

For defining urban space, the transport sector needs to be attributed a quintessential role, and even more so in (mega)cities. At the same time, it is also one of the major labour markets, particularly for new rural migrants, and access is highly regulated through multi-layered networks.

Paper long abstract:

When analysing access to major labour markets of Dhaka city, the transport sector is a complex "system" of highly regulated rules and regulations ("Institutions").

Our paper/presentation will be based on a case study about the core labour markets related to the transport sector. In Dhaka, until today a large share of transport services is made by non-motorised forms of transport, and a most prominent one is bicycle rickshaws. Our paper will start off with a brief analysis of the core stakeholders, such as the Dhaka City Corporation or the different types of owners' and workers' associations. We will then look into practices of how access to this crucial labour market is being (re-)negotiated among the core stakeholders, with their the multi-layered networks of middlemen.