Bangladesh Police is the first hope of the citizens of the country in case of any legal crisis or danger. The force is providing various services to the people with the slogan “In Bangabandhu's Bangladesh, the police are on the people's side.” Over the years, various units of the force have been created.
The Traffic Division of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) is carrying out its duties amid various limitations and challenges. Those concerned say that they have to face various challenges, including low capacity roads, encroachment on footpaths, uncontrolled rickshaw movement, lack of skilled drivers and insufficient bus stops, picking up and dropping off passengers here and there. Lack of traffic technical units and faulty traffic signals are also cited as major problems in traffic management.
A large number of motorcycles are moving in the capital city uncontrollably. As a result, road accidents are on the rise. An average of 25 to 30 major accidents are taking place in the capital every month.
Those concerned say that most of the roads in Dhaka city are north-south faced. As there are not many east-west-faced roads, the roads of the capital are always under pressure. On top of that, there is a shortage of traffic management personnel.
Besides, educational institutions, hospitals, shopping malls and petrol pumps have occupied a major portion of the roads in the name of parking lots.
Referring to the addition of 400 different types of vehicles to the roads of the capital every day, an official of the traffic department told this reporter that there should be 4,211 personnel in eight traffic zones in the capital. But there are currently 3,930 members.
To improve the traffic system, the city corporation must keep the roads and footpaths usable. It is important to keep traffic signals and road signs visible at all times. Pedestrians should be more inclined to obey the traffic rules. In particular, the traffic department should play an effective role in ensuring proper enforcement of traffic laws, the official said.
The use of Google Maps on android phones is also very effective in detecting bottlenecks and taking prompt measures to ease traffic congestion.
According to various research and recommendations regarding road accidents at different times, the authorities concerned should take effective measures to control the reckless movement of all types of vehicles, including motorcycles.
Officials in charge say that effective measures should be taken regarding bringing about discipline in the public transport system, which is currently underway.
Munibur Rahman Chowdhury, an additional commissioner of the DMP Traffic Division, said policemen get into arguments with vehicle owners while managing traffic every day.
To prevent road accidents, various initiatives should be taken, including creating awareness among the masses. Effective measures should be taken to implement the recommendations of the National Road Safety Council as well, the official said. City dwellers will get the benefit if circular bus services are introduced in the busiest areas of the city, such as Gulshan and Hatirjheel.
Additionally, every sergeant has been given a body-worn camera. Traffic sergeants have been instructed to keep the cameras on, the official added.
