Inspector General of Police (IGP) Md Ali Hossain Fakir has said that traffic management must become technology-based, noting that global experience shows modern urban management is not possible without smart traffic management.
He made the remarks as chief guest at a day-long workshop titled “Urban Traffic Management in Dhaka: Challenges, Innovation and Future Directions” held at the Police Staff College in Mirpur on Wednesday. The workshop aimed to explore ways to improve urban traffic management in Dhaka and identify sustainable solutions.
The IGP said Bangladesh is moving forward through rapid urbanization. The increase in the number of vehicles, expansion of the urban economy and rising mobility have made road management one of the country’s major challenges.
“To address this challenge, all stakeholders must work together in a coordinated manner,” he added.
Ali Hossain Fakir also said the prime minister has already issued special directives to take effective measures to ease traffic congestion in Dhaka.
Addressing police officials, the IGP said citizens often have their first interaction with the police through traffic officers.
“When a traffic sergeant stands on the road, he does not only control vehicles; he represents the law and order of the state. His behaviour, professionalism and ethics directly influence public trust in the police,” he said.
The main objective of the workshop was to formulate practical policy recommendations and an action plan to ensure effective traffic management in Dhaka.
Participants discussed the current situation and key challenges of traffic management in Dhaka, the effectiveness of traffic law enforcement, improvement of the public transport system, enhancing efficiency in bus route management, integrated management of rickshaws and other non-motorized transport, illegal parking and footpath management issues, strengthening coordination among relevant agencies, improving pedestrian safety and public awareness, and future directions for urban transport planning.
