Initiatives taken to reduce traffic congestion in Old Dhaka

Several initiatives have been taken to address the long-standing traffic congestion that has been causing public suffering in Old Dhaka, said Mohammad Mofizul Islam, deputy commissioner (DC) of the Traffic-Lalbagh Division of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP).

Speaking to journalists at the Azimpur office of the Traffic-Lalbagh Division on Saturday (29August), DC Mofizul Islam outlined various initiatives taken and future plans to ease traffic congestion in Old Dhaka.

DC Mofizul Islam said Fulbaria bus terminal, Badamtali fruit market, Dholai Khal truck stand and the bus terminal in the Victoria Park area had been identified as some of the major causes of traffic congestion in Old Dhaka.

Among these, an initiative was taken to relocate the bus terminal in the Victoria Park area. He said the terminal was successfully removed through a joint initiative by the university administration and police. As a result, traffic congestion and public suffering in the area have been reduced significantly, he added.

Besides, the Fulbaria bus terminal was also removed in accordance with government directives. Although the relevant authorities were supposed to relocate it to another site, the process was delayed due to inadequate infrastructure at the proposed location, he said.

The relevant authorities have said that additional infrastructure needs to be developed, he added. The matter was discussed at a higher level, and some time was needed to resolve it, DC Mofizul Islam said.

Although the initiative to relocate the Fulbaria bus terminal was successfully implemented, DC Mofizul Islam said he was disappointed that it could not be sustained. The bus terminal is currently being kept there temporarily, and he has been informed that it will eventually be relocated.

He also said regular discussions are being held with the administration to resolve the issue quickly and ease traffic congestion in Old Dhaka. Emphasis is being placed on preparing the necessary space and infrastructure for relocating the Fulbaria bus terminal as soon as possible.

DC Mofizul Islam said he had witnessed the problem of traffic congestion on the roads of Old Dhaka since his childhood. As he is now responsible for addressing traffic congestion in the area, he said a permanent solution to the problem would be considered one of the memorable achievements of his career.