<i>Transport system </i>
An article published in the DS on Transport System for Dhaka City (January 30, 2008) hinted at some solutions of the acute traffic congestion in the city. No doubt, Mr. Quazi Moyeed Rashid is an expert on transport system. I am not an expert, yet I do humbly disagree with some of his suggestions.
Rickshaws are an eco-friendly and cheap means of transport. But where speed and pace of life is concerned, automation should be the first priority. But considering the hassle and accommodation of private cars and scooters, public transport buses should be given the priority. More bus routes should be considered, so that more people can be accommodated.
Underground railway (tube line) may be another solution which has proven to be congestion free and more dependable. It can carry more passengers. Sky train can also be an option. These would require no extra land. Land is very scanty and precious in Dhaka. Rickshaws should not be banned altogether but limited within the lanes. Speedy transport cannot run with manual ones. It reduces speed and enhances the rate of accidents.
Shifting of govt. offices from central Dhaka can be one of the solutions. As for example, if the Judge's Court and Metropolitan Magistrate's Court can be divided into two or four regions, then serious congestion in English Road, Sadarghat Road, North-South Road, Gulistan and adjacent areas can be reduced substantially. Likewise, some ministries can also be shifted from the Secretariat. Like the Election Commission, ERD and some other ministries can be relocated in different parts of the city.
Taking the necessary steps or implementation of these suggestions would require lot of funds and time. But unless we launch practical programmes and formulate future plans, this problem would continue. If the government cannot afford to implement such programmes, private entrepreneurs and foreign ventures can be considered.
In the present world, governments do not make business or profit in lieu of public services. Let the matters be dealt with by private entrepreneurs and multinational enterprises.
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