The need for heightened security in key areas -- as well as greater discipline in Dhaka’s public transportation system -- has been palpable ever since the horrific attack in Gulshan last month.
The government’s decision to introduce 30 air-conditioned buses and 500 rickshaws in Dhaka’s diplomatic zone, then, is most laudable.
New buses and yellow-hooded rickshaws that will serve Niketon, Gulshan, Baridhara, and Banani exclusively will bring some much needed order to the traffic flow of those areas.
Restricting other rickshaws from entering the diplomatic zone will make it easier to monitor those areas for suspicious activities.
Dhaka has been in need of a better organised public transport system for a long time, and we hope this is only the beginning of better things to come. Setting fixed fares for both rickshaws and buses, and providing air-conditioned interiors for the latter, will go a long way in providing citizens with a hassle-free and comfortable commute.
However, the government must make sure that others who use the diplomatic zone to travel to other areas of the city are provided with alternatives which cater to their needs as well.
Problems of transportation in Dhaka are complex, and this initiative is merely a step in the right direction. Other challenges include the design of the rickshaw itself. Though rickshaws have retained the same design for decades, they need to be updated. The present design is unsafe and inhumane, and a more efficiently engineered vehicle would go a long way towards making Dhaka more liveable for all.
The job does not end with special zones. The authorities must also look into making the rest of the capital safe, secure, and orderly.
