Implement HC order

It seems that Dhaka lacks a basic traffic management system. In the past, we have seen motorcyclists using footpaths during gridlocks ignoring traffic rules. As nothing has been done to stop this malpractice, other vehicles are now doing the same. Two photos published in The Daily Star yesterday depicted how violation of traffic rules has become the norm in this city. One photo showed all types of vehicles -- bicycle, motorcycle, rickshaw, and even CNG-run-auto-rickshaw -- are using the pavement meant for pedestrians' use, while in the other photo a VIP car was spotted taking the wrong side of a busy road under police escort.

Such malpractices are rampant despite the fact that we have all the necessary traffic rules in place. The only problem is, these rules are hardly being implemented by the traffic police. And it's not only that the traffic police do not enforce the rules, they themselves violate the rules by driving on the wrong side and also helping the VIPs drive on the wrong side. Reportedly, traffic police even take bribes from the offenders of traffic rules. If such practices cannot be stopped, the traffic situation in the city, especially during the month of Ramadan, will surely become even worse.

Thus we urge the authorities concerned to strictly enforce the traffic rules in order to bring back discipline on our roads. In March 2012, the High Court gave an order to stop bikers using footpaths to make them safe for pedestrians' use. This order must be enforced by the traffic police. And footpaths should be there only for those they are meant for.