The chaos that marks the road regime appears to have only worsened, with the public transport system, especially in Dhaka, further descending into disarray. The interim government, despite its efforts to address several pressing issues, seems to have paid inadequate attention to the growing anarchy on the road. Dhaka roads have, meanwhile, become increasingly unbearable and dangerous, marked by a decline in public buses and a surge in unauthorised, risky vehicles. The number of buses, arguably the most suitable and safe mode of transport for a densely populated city such as Dhaka, has dwindled to around 3,500 from about 6,000 over a decade. City roads are now dominated by private vehicles and various forms of paratransit such as motorcycles, CNG-run auto-rickshaws and battery-powered rickshaws. Authorities have not only failed to rationalise the bus system but also failed to restrict the rise of the unsafe vehicles and ensure safety in ride-sharing services. There appears to be indecision, coupled with poor enforcement, about battery-run rickshaws, easy bikes and other three-wheelers, all becoming an increasing menace on the roads despite court orders banning their operation in Dhaka.
The government鈥檚 inability to address the threat posed by such vehicles continues to aggravate the traffic situation. The problem, however, is not confined to the capital. Highways are also overburdened with unauthorised and often improvised motorised and non-motorised vehicles, which are increasingly involved in road accidents and fatalities. Studies have highlighted that most of such modified vehicles are technically unfit and untrained and unlicensed driving further amplifies the danger. Although the authorities have on multiple occasions banned three-wheelers and non-motorised vehicles from highways and ordered the removal of battery-powered rickshaws from Dhaka roads, the bans have either been poorly enforced or eventually lifted under pressure. Meanwhile, efforts to rationalise bus routes in Dhaka have seen little progress. The plan, conceived under the Dhaka Urban Transport Project in 1997, remains largely unimplemented. Although several initiatives were taken in a decade to streamline bus services and regulate the public transport sector, they have yielded limited results, primarily because of resistance from influential, profit-driven transport owners鈥� associations. Consequently, the operation of public buses remains fraught with numerous issues 鈥� reckless driving, dangerous competition often leading to fatal accidents, arbitrary passenger pick-up and drop-off and poor working conditions and wages for transport workers.
Without a well-functioning public transport system and a strict enforcement of traffic rules, restoring order to Dhaka roads will remain an unattainable goal. The government should, therefore, address the issues urgently and implement comprehensive measures to make public transports safe, efficient and comfortable.
