The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Traffic Division has launched another special traffic discipline week in the capital.
The week started on Wednesday and will continue till October 30, said DMP Commissioner Asaduzzaman Mia at a press briefing held at the DMP Media Centre on Thursday.
He said the DMP was focusing this traffic week on raising public awareness about using foot overbridges and zebra crossings.
“Anyone violating traffic rules and the law will face legal action from us,” he added.
He said there were 130 bus stands or stoppages across Dhaka and they would work to ensure that buses only use those to pick up or drop off passengers.
They will also be looking at how local buses operate on the streets, if the doors are shut while they are on the move, and whether they stop at designated bus stops, Asaduzzaman added.
He reiterated that no more than two people can ride a motorcycle and they must both wear helmets, adding that refuelling stations around the city were continuing the “No helmet, no fuel” campaign.
He said the latest traffic week was aimed at stabilizing the traffic system further. “First, we observed a traffic week from August 5-14, and then held a longer program from September 5-30.
“But our expectations were not met due to various problems and limitations. We could not do it because of major lack of awareness among people,” said the DMP chief.
That’s why DMP was now observing this special traffic discipline week – mainly to increase awareness among people, and to ensure traffic control and discipline on the road, he added.
He said a total of 216 students of various universities, including members of Rover Scouts, Girl Guides and Bangladesh National Cadet Corps, were participating in this traffic week alongside police to enforce traffic laws and rules.
Responding to a question, Asaduzzaman Mia said the lack of manpower is one of the many problems DMP faces in ensuring proper traffic control. “But discipline on the road is possible with everyone’s support.”
He urged Dhakaites again to follow traffic rules and help the police enforce them.
