Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Tuesday directed the Ministry of Education to explore alternative measures to alleviate the severe traffic congestion that plagues the capital during school hours.

The directive was issued during a high-level meeting at the Secretariat this morning with Education Minister ANM Ehsanul Haque Milon and State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj, according to Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon.

“The Prime Minister discussed how traffic congestion during school hours in Dhaka can be reduced and what alternative measures can be introduced. He asked the ministry to prepare proposals in this regard,” the additional press secretary stated while briefing reporters.

To illustrate the severity of the issue, the Prime Minister cited a specific example of a school in the capital where approximately 100 private cars gather for only 150 students during opening and closing hours.

He noted that such concentrations cause massive gridlock, ironically making it difficult for the students themselves to reach their institutions.

Rumon further noted that the Prime Minister advised the two ministers to specifically address these logistical bottlenecks and develop practical, long-term solutions.

In addition to the education briefing, the Prime Minister held separate meetings with Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku and State Minister Anindya Islam Amit.

Chief of Naval Staff Admiral M Nazmul Hassan also called on the Prime Minister later in the day to discuss departmental matters

With Inputs from UNB