An important meeting was held under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to alleviate traffic congestion in the capital Dhaka, modernize the traffic system, and restore discipline in the transport sector.

Following a detailed discussion on various issues, the Prime Minister issued a series of directives.

The meeting took place on Saturday (August 29) at the Prime Minister's Office in Tejgaon, Dhaka.

According to information provided by the Prime Minister's Deputy Press Secretary Shahadat Hossain Swadhin, the meeting discussed in detail the ongoing traffic congestion in Dhaka metropolis, vehicle pressure on major roads and flyovers, public transport management, rearrangement of bus terminals, improvement of parking systems, and modernization of traffic management.

Introduction of ETC System: It was decided at the meeting to introduce the ETC (Electronic Toll Collection) system at toll plazas of expressways and flyovers.

Initiatives will be taken to make the toll collection system more modern, rapid, and technology-dependent through this method.

To achieve this, a decision was made to develop an app, and the Prime Minister instructed the relevant authorities to complete the work within the next four months.

Alleviating Congestion on the Jatrabari-Gulistan Flyover: Long-standing traffic congestion around the Jatrabari-Gulistan flyover was discussed in detail.

The Prime Minister directed the review of an existing report previously prepared by the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) to determine necessary actions for easing the gridlock.

BUET was instructed to review the existing report and submit recommendations within the next 15 days. It was decided that this activity would be implemented in coordination with the City Corporation and Traffic Police.

Relocation of Fulbaria Bus Terminal to Keraniganj: To bring more discipline to Dhaka's public transport system, a decision was made to shift the Fulbaria Bus Terminal to Keraniganj.

The project will be implemented through land acquisition by the Local Government Ministry. It was discussed that relocating this terminal will reduce the pressure of buses and inter-district vehicles in the central part of the capital and play an effective role in easing traffic.

As constructing a permanent bus terminal is a long-term project, it was decided to build a temporary bus terminal on 15 acres of land in the Jhilmil project within the next four months.

Expansion of Gabtoli Bus Terminal: To increase capacity and make vehicle management more effective, a decision was made to expand the rear portion of the Gabtoli Bus Terminal.

The Prime Minister instructed all relevant agencies, including the Roads Department and Traffic Police, to work in a coordinated manner for the swift implementation of this task.

Relocation of Karwan Bazar Kitchen Market: To reduce traffic congestion in the capital, a decision was reached to move the Karwan Bazar kitchen market to Gabtoli, and concerned authorities were directed to take necessary steps.

Parking Arrangements around the Secretariat: Improvement of parking systems to ease traffic around the Secretariat was also discussed.

It was decided to examine the possibility of arranging parking at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium, while alternative parking spaces are to be explored as needed.

This initiative aims to control vehicle pressure around the Secretariat and normalize movement on nearby roads.

Policy for Autorickshaws: A decision was made to formulate a separate policy to make the operation of autorickshaws in Dhaka city more disciplined and regulated.

Action Against Unauthorized Double-Decker Sleeper Buses: Furthermore, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman directed that necessary measures be taken against the operation of unauthorized double-decker sleeper buses.

Emphasizing the strengthening of coordination among various agencies to alleviate the capital's traffic jam, he stressed the sincere efforts of all parties to complete the respective tasks within the stipulated timeframes.

The meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, was attended by Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, Road Transport and Bridges Minister Sheikh Rabiul Alam, State Minister for Local Government Mir Shahe Alam, Member of Parliament for Pabna-5 Shamsur Rahman Shimul Biswas, Dhaka South City Corporation Administrator Abdus Salam, the Cabinet Secretary, the Prime Minister's Principal Secretary, and other high-ranking officials.