The topic of decentralizing our capital is one that is repeated over and over, yet when it comes to taking concrete actions, we continue to fail.
To that end, it was a welcome development to see the inauguration of regular operations at the Bosila launch ghat ahead of Eid. Dhaka’s transport system is a reflection of Dhaka’s centralized nature - overly dependent on a handful of hubs, particularly Sadarghat, which has borne the brunt of overwhelming passenger traffic during peak travel seasons.
As such, opening up new terminals such as Bosila is certainly the sort of step we expect from the government - one more in line with decentralizing transport and easing pressure on overstretched facilities.
However, it is important that such a move is not limited to only certain times of the year. Thus, the need is to make Bosila a permanent fixture, not just a seasonal solution.
For this to succeed, awareness must be raised among commuters. People need to know that Bosila is a viable alternative, and authorities must ensure that services are reliable, safe, and consistent.
Transport decentralization cannot be achieved through temporary measures. Regular operations, year‑round maintenance, and integration with other transport networks will be essential.
Beyond transport, however, Dhaka itself must embrace decentralization. While our chronic congestion, pollution, and overburdened infrastructure have no immediate fixes, they are all a product of the excessive concentration of people and services. Developing multiple transport hubs, expanding facilities across the city, and encouraging growth in surrounding regions are all vital to easing the strain on our capital.
The Bosila launch ghat is a promising start. It is time now to take inspiration from it and move towards a smarter and more decentralized Dhaka.
