Online Desk : Traffic situation in the capital will deteriorate further if battery-run autorickshaws cannot be controlled as soon as possible, said Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Sheikh Md Sajjat Ali on Saturday (December 21). He predicted that the Dhaka city dwellers won’t be able to come out of their homes soon. They would see only autorickshaws on the roads after coming out of homes. The DMP Commissioner stated it at an opinion sharing meeting with the residents of Ramna Police Station area at the Diploma Engineers Institution at Kakrail in the capital on Saturday.
He said the number of autorickshaws is growing rapidly. These have no licences. The number of autorickshaws must have to be brought down. They must have to be brought under the purview of licencing and taxing systems. According to the DMP chief, prices of essentials are rising due to the extortion, causing immense sufferings to the lower- and middle classes of people. “We must have to be built social resistance against the extortion. The lists of extortionists are being prepared. They will be arrested within the next two to three days according to the lists.”
Referring to the hawkers on footpaths in the capital, he said it would be inhuman if hawkers are evicted directly. “But, attention should be given so that pedestrians can walk freely on one side of the road. Twenty-five per cent of the roads should be kept vacant for the pedestrians in the Dhaka city, but only 7 per cent of roads remains vacant for them.” The DMP chief said motorcycle is a risky mode of transport. Two to three riders on a single motorcycle are very dangerous. “Uses of motorcycles as family rides will be stopped. Those who will use roads must follow the law and order.” Sheikh Md Sajjat Ali further said the traffic system in Dhaka would be brought under discipline. Violators of traffic rules won’t be spared in any way.