After a week-long absence, traffic police returned to the bustling streets of Dhaka on Monday, now supported by students who had stepped in during their absence.
Amid the usual chaos, students were seen joining forces with the officers, working together to manage one of the most congested cities in the world.
Jakia Aktar, a student of Dr Malika College who was seen controlling traffic at Satmasjid Road said: “I feel good to see disciplined traffic on the roads. Besides, taking part in this feels amazing. As the traffic police are back now, we are happy that we can go back.”
Asifuzzaman, a student of Mohammadpur Kendriya College who was seen controlling traffic at the Science Lab intersection said: “Alhamdulillah, we are feeling good to serve the city. Till the government needs us, we are happy to serve.”
When asked about certificates for their efforts, he said: "We have seen the news and have already submitted a list to the police for issuing certificates."
A traffic officer, requesting anonymity, said: “I am happy that they (the students) are getting certificates for their contribution. However, if they are trained properly, they can be an asset to the force.”
Md Jahangir Alam, additional deputy commissioner (Traffic, Admin, and Research) said: “As we joined, the students have co-operated with us in a very charming way. The students showed a massive interest in working on traffic control.”
Jahangir confirmed that all the members of the traffic police were present at work on Monday.
“Now we are focusing on key intersections of the city. We are hoping to resume the full service step-by-step while coordinating with the students and zonal officers,” he said.
He added that the interest of students was bigger when they heard about the issue of certificates.”
However, the official process of issuing certificates has not started yet.
“As the adviser commented on the matter, the police headquarters will research regarding integrating students into traffic,” he added. “Their timing, ID, and dresses are not dedicated yet, however, a decision will come very soon.”
Earlier, Brigadier General (Retd) M Sakhawat Hossain, advisor of the home ministry under Bangladesh’s new interim government, said students who are managing traffic, cleaning streets and painting graffiti during this time of crisis will receive certificates for their contribution.
Sakhawat made the announcement on Sunday afternoon while visiting injured police officers at the Central Police Hospital in Rajarbagh, Dhaka.
He said students were contributing to the nation, and their efforts would be recognized.
