To reduce traffic congestion and road accidents in Dhaka, the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has issued strict directives to prevent vehicles from driving in the wrong lane and to stop rickshaws from operating on unauthorized roads.
This announcement was made recently in a public notice signed by DMP Commissioner SM Sazzat Ali.
According to the DMP, rickshaws and battery-powered rickshaws frequently move against traffic, posing significant risks of accidents and contributing to severe congestion. In many cases, passengers themselves encourage rickshaw pullers to take the wrong route.
Additionally, rickshaws are often seen on major and important roads where they are not authorized to operate.
"The same issue has been observed with motorcycles and CNG-run auto-rickshaws. Wrong-way driving not only worsens traffic congestion but also leads to disputes with traffic police, which can amount to obstruction of government duty and criminal offences."
Even government vehicles and vehicles bearing professional identity stickers have been found violating traffic rules by driving in the wrong direction and parking illegally, further exacerbating traffic congestion, it added.
Recently, some government officials were arrested and sent to court for driving the wrong way, the DMP said.
In this situation, the DMP has strictly instructed rickshaw pullers, motorcyclists, and CNG drivers, along with all other motorists, to avoid wrong-way driving.
Passengers have also been urged not to travel in unsafe vehicles or encourage drivers to use unauthorized roads. Moreover, commuters have been advised to refrain from unnecessary arguments with traffic police.
The DMP has warned that strict legal action will be taken against those who violate these directives.
