United News of Bangladesh

For years, Dhaka’s streets have symbolised chaos, frustration and poor traffic management, with endless gridlock and widespread disregard for zebra crossings turning daily commuting into a nightmare for millions. Against this backdrop of chronic congestion and mismanagement, police have begun introducing AI-based CCTV cameras and modern traffic signal system at major intersections in the capital — a move that is already showing early signs of restoring some discipline on the roads. Alongside the smart surveillance system, the launch of an e-prosecution or digital case management system has also started reducing incidents of traffic signal and zebra crossing violations by drivers, according to officials. Traffic officials  believe that once fully implemented, the technology-driven system could significantly reduce the need for direct police intervention on roads, improve transparency in law enforcement and make traffic management more efficient in the overcrowded capital. They also said the long-term success of the initiative will depend on technological capacity, adequate manpower and greater public awareness. According to officials of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), AI-powered CCTV cameras have already been installed at 22 key intersections, including Bijoy Sarani, Gulshan-1 and 2, Jahangir Gate, Hotel InterContinental, Shahbagh, High Court Crossing, Kadam Foara, Matsya Bhaban, Kakrail Mosque Crossing, Police Bhaban, Old Ramna Thana Crossing, Banglamotor, Karwan Bazar, Rampura Traffic Box and the Mirpur National Heart Foundation area. Under the new system, AI-driven cameras automatically detect vehicles and drivers violating traffic signals and zebra crossing rules. The footage is then reviewed by the DMP Traffic Technical Unit (TTU) which files digital cases against violators.

On the busy roads of Dhaka, discipline often takes a backseat. The capital’s streets, witness a daily routine of buses stopping abruptly in the middle of the road to pick up or drop off passengers — completely ignoring designated bus stops.   Photo: Tahiyat Nazifa Noor Photo: Tahiyat Nazifa Noor

Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, is known for its traffic congestion. One will see it, no matter whether there is a shutdown or bad weather because its chaotic traffic -- still too mild a term -- is its identity.   On the 12th day of lockdown, UNB correspondents saw the streets of Dhaka flooded with vehicles bringing back its chaotic days. Everything except public transports were plying city streets and people wandering around with little or no regard to the health guidelines.   The government, meanwhile, has extended the current lockdown till August 10 amid a surge in the delta variant of Covid-19 across the country. Liberation War Affairs Minister AKM Mozammel Haque disclosed the decision of the government while talking to reporters after an inter-ministerial meeting on Tuesday. He said shops, factories and offices will be reopened from August 11 while public transport will be allowed to ply roads on a limited scale once the lockdown is over.  After a reality check at different parts of the capital, including Shabagh, Uttara, Mohakhali, Mirpur, Kalabagan, Biijoy Srani, Badda, Farmgate, Shyamoli, Karwan Bazar and Bangla Motor, the UNB correspondents saw the capital almost returning to normal with, with an increased number of vehicles and people on the streets. Read: People find 'easy excuses' to defy lockdown in Dhaka Usual traffic jams were also seen at most of these places during office hours from 8:30 am to 11 am.