Noting that modern urban management is not possible without smart traffic systems, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Mohammad Ali Hossain Fakir on Wednesday said future traffic management in Bangladesh must be technology-driven.

“Global experience shows that modern cities cannot function efficiently without smart traffic management,” he said while addressing a daylong workshop titled “Urban Traffic Management in Dhaka: Challenges, Innovations and Future Directions” at the Police Staff College Bangladesh in the capital as the chief guest.

The IGP said Bangladesh is advancing rapidly through urbanisation and that the growing number of vehicles, expanding urban economy and increasing mobility of people have made road management a major challenge for the state.

He stressed the need for coordinated efforts from all stakeholders to address these challenges effectively.

Ali Hossain Fakir also said the Prime Minister has already given special directives to take effective initiatives to ease traffic congestion in Dhaka.

Addressing police officials, the IGP said the public’s first interaction with the police often occurs through traffic police.

“When a traffic sergeant stands on the road, he not only controls vehicles but also represents the law and discipline of the state,” he said, adding that their behaviour, professionalism and integrity directly influence public confidence in the police.

The workshop aimed to formulate practical policy recommendations and action plans to ensure better traffic management in the capital.

Participants discussed key issues including identifying major challenges in Dhaka’s traffic management, evaluating the effectiveness of traffic law enforcement, improving the public transport system, enhancing bus route management efficiency, integrating rickshaws and other non-motorised transport, addressing illegal parking and footpath management problems, strengthening coordination among relevant agencies, ensuring pedestrian safety, raising public awareness and planning future urban transport systems.

Officials participating in the workshop emphasised the importance of realistic recommendations and effective action plans to improve traffic management in the capital.

IGP seeks magistrates at police stations for faster dispute resolution

They particularly underscored the need for technology-based traffic systems, public transport reforms, improved law enforcement and stronger coordination among relevant agencies.

Speakers expressed hope that the recommendations from the workshop would contribute significantly to improving traffic management and urban transport planning in Dhaka in the future.