The present government and especially the law enforcers of Bangladesh are to be given their due credit for taking serious and specific steps in improving Dhaka's traffic condition.
Most drivers talk of the former President HM Ershad when they discuss roads of Dhaka, and they always praise him because during his time Dhaka got most of its present roads and basic structures. It is interesting that they do not mention the other two supposedly 'big' parties. Perhaps, it is high time for them to think again and 'change' for real this time.
As the present government is taking necessary steps to ease traffic congestion in Dhaka, I suggest looking into ways to control the behaviour of local city bus drivers. I always wonder who own these busses and who pay the salary to these irresponsible drivers who simply have no regards for traffic rules. It is a minimum civic duty for both the owners and the drivers to behave in an acceptable manner and drive with respect for human life. It seems that they have some unknown 'blessings' from the 'top'. Otherwise, how do they feel so fearless and daring that they simply do not bother about any rules or have any regard for the traffic authorities? Although, recently the DMP announced that it would be tough on unruly bus drivers, it still seems that firm steps have not been taken to control them. Once on the road, we all still feel helpless behind the bus drivers who stop anytime, anywhere and for however long they feel with disregard to everyone behind them.
And of course, for those who have read my previous letters in the DS, I cannot stop without mentioning the need for controlling rickshaws and gradual banning of them from Dhaka metropolitan city area roads. Regardless of our background, I am certain that we must all agree that rickshaws do not belong in a modern capital city that HAS to move forward to keep up with the fast paced world capitals. We simply cannot afford the precious space that we have on our limited city roads for careless, unruly rickshaws. Even though seemingly it may feel like rickshaws are saving us money, in fact, they are costing each one of us valuable time and huge sums of money in terms of lost time for being stuck in traffic behind the ever-increasing pullers. We must think of alternative ways to employ these poor people if we really care for them and let them off their misery from this inhuman profession, if we can even call it that.
I request the present government to begin some stern process to set things right.