Dhaka’s Traffic Crisis: Untangling Systemic Failures and Paving the Road to Reform

Written By Syeda Fatima Sultana

Dhaka’s Traffic Woes: Beyond the DMP

Blaming the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) for the traffic congestion in Dhaka is all too common. At first glance, they seem to be the ones responsible for managing the traffic chaos. But, the reality is far more intricate. The core of Dhaka’s traffic problems lies not just with the DMP but with deeper systemic inefficiencies, institutional shortcomings, and cultural behaviors that have long been entrenched in society. Technological reforms introduced by the DMP have faltered time and again, hindered by poor execution, lack of inter-agency collaboration, and a society resistant to change. Let’s take a deeper look into these factors.

The Legacy of Mistrust: Dhaka’s Traffic Police

The issues with Dhaka’s traffic police run much deeper than a mere perception of authority. Their history stretches back to 1904 when they were first tasked with managing traffic in an expanding city. Back then, their role was clear: keep traffic flowing smoothly and ensure safety. However, from the very beginning, traffic police began to be viewed more as an enforcer of rules rather than a service-oriented institution.

As Dhaka grew into a sprawling megacity, the traffic police’s duties expanded in tandem. The establishment of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) in 1976 brought a dedicated traffic division to handle the city’s increasing population and traffic demands. Today, this division oversees the daily movement of millions of people. Yet, despite significant advancements, public trust in the traffic police remains deeply mistrustful, a legacy of decades of flawed systems and governance.

This colonial mindset—focused more on control than service—has never fully evolved into a system based on public cooperation and trust. Despite modern initiatives like smart policing and community policing, these efforts have yet to shift the focus from control to service, leaving a gap of trust that persists. Drivers resent fines, pedestrians flout signals, and citizens often view officers as ineffective or corrupt.

Eroding Trust: The Dhaka Urban Transport Project

The erosion of public trust is particularly evident when considering the failure of the Dhaka Urban Transport Project (DUTP). According to a World Bank report, the project was rated “moderately unsatisfactory,” with poor performance from both the government and implementing agencies. Key issues stemmed from a lack of preparation, weak institutional capacity, and poor communication between agencies. The result? A project plagued by delays, mismanagement, and lost public confidence.

Furthermore, the complexity of the DUTP design only exacerbated its failings. In an environment already rife with institutional weaknesses, the introduction of new organizations and responsibilities proved impractical. The banning of rickshaws in certain areas also created economic hardship for drivers and users, compounding the public’s dissatisfaction. Moving forward, reforms need to focus on simplicity and clarity, strengthening institutional frameworks, and ensuring transparent communication. The failures of the DUTP highlight the need for sustainable, community-centered traffic reforms based on trust, accountability, and fairness.

Dreams Derailed: The Graveyard of Traffic Projects

Dhaka’s history is littered with ambitious traffic projects that failed to meet expectations due to poor planning and lack of maintenance. What should have been transformative initiatives quickly became examples of neglect and inefficiency. The following are some notable failures:

These failures reflect a systemic issue of poor planning, lack of maintenance, and unsustainable investment in Dhaka’s traffic management projects. In contrast, cities like Singapore have achieved great success by integrating technology with comprehensive planning and ensuring continuous resource allocation.

Training Gaps and Health Risks: The Human Cost of Traffic Enforcement

The DMP also faces significant challenges due to inadequate training for its officers. Unlike their counterparts in other countries, such as Germany and Japan, who undergo specialized training in conflict resolution, road safety, emergency response, and accident management, traffic officers in Dhaka often lack this targeted preparation. With insufficient knowledge of modern traffic complexities, they are ill-equipped to enforce laws effectively and handle crisis situations.

Moreover, the working conditions for Dhaka’s traffic officers are hazardous. Long shifts, exposure to high levels of air pollution, and intense stress contribute to health issues like respiratory problems, chronic stress, and hearing loss. Studies indicate that 68% of traffic officers suffer from respiratory issues due to constant exposure to vehicle emissions. This lack of proper medical care, regular breaks, and protective measures further reduces the effectiveness of these officers.

By contrast, countries like Germany take proactive steps to address these issues through shorter shifts, medical care, and protective equipment for officers. In Dhaka, however, these basic measures are often neglected, undermining the efficacy of traffic enforcement.

The Real Culprit: A Lack of Coordination and Systemic Dysfunction

One of Dhaka’s most significant traffic management challenges is its fragmented system of governance. Multiple agencies, including the DMP, BRTA, and city corporations, rarely collaborate efficiently, leading to a lack of coordination and delays. For example, city corporations often carry out road construction without consulting the DMP, which disrupts traffic flow. Meanwhile, the DMP itself is understaffed and under-resourced, unable to enforce traffic laws effectively.

In cities like Tokyo, on the other hand, roadwork, urban planning, and law enforcement are coordinated seamlessly, reducing inefficiencies and redundancies. In Dhaka, however, the disjointed approach has resulted in finger-pointing and blame-shifting between agencies. One DMP officer noted, “More than a dozen agencies are engaged in managing traffic, yet if anything goes wrong, the blame is laid on the Traffic Division.”

Another issue is the DMP’s Traffic Technical Unit, which has been severely understaffed for years—38 out of 39 positions have remained vacant since 2018. This staff shortage only exacerbates the already dysfunctional traffic management system in Dhaka.

Road Indiscipline: The Behavioral Roadblock

Beyond institutional dysfunction, the real roadblock to effective traffic management in Dhaka lies in deep-rooted road indiscipline. Even with advanced technologies and data-driven tools to analyze road crashes, the widespread disregard for traffic rules renders these solutions ineffective. Illegal parking, makeshift markets, and reckless driving are common sights, undermining technological solutions and complicating enforcement.

Cities like Copenhagen offer important lessons in overcoming this challenge by emphasizing strict law enforcement, public education campaigns, and comprehensive infrastructure development. Tehran’s congestion charging system provides another valuable model, demonstrating how smart technology can help manage traffic when coupled with strong enforcement. These examples highlight the importance of combining technology with behavior change, rather than relying solely on technological fixes.

A Road to Redemption – The 4E Framework as a Path Forward

Addressing Bangladesh’s traffic problems requires more than just enforcement; it demands a holistic approach that blends enforcement, education, engineering, and environmental change. The 4E Framework—Enforcement, Education, Engineering, and Environment—offers a comprehensive strategy to move Dhaka’s traffic management from chaos to coordination. Each “E” represents not just an action but a mindset shift, encouraging policymakers, law enforcement, and citizens to reimagine their interactions with the roads and each other.

• Enforcement: From Punishment to Prevention→
  Effective enforcement is about more than issuing fines; it requires consistency, fairness, and a culture of accountability. Automated systems, such as AI-powered surveillance cameras and digital ticketing, can ensure that violations are handled impartially, reducing opportunities for corruption and fostering trust. Singapore’s automated road pricing system is a prime example of how technology can create efficiency and fairness. Additionally, specialized training for traffic officers—focusing on conflict resolution, road safety, and technological proficiency—can improve their ability to enforce rules effectively. Transparency in law enforcement, through publicly accessible portals displaying real-time violation data and court outcomes, will also help reduce perceptions of bias and foster greater public trust. Enforcement must be seen as a partnership between citizens and the state, transforming compliance into an act of civic pride rather than coercion.
• Education: Changing Minds, One Driver at a Time→
  Education is crucial in changing the attitudes that underpin road indiscipline. Traffic safety education should start in schools, where children can learn not only the rules but also the values of empathy and patience on the road. Japan’s integration of road safety lessons into schools has helped ensure that future generations respect traffic laws. Public awareness campaigns are also vital. By using mass media and collaborating with public figures, such as influencers, actors, and athletes, road safety messages can reach a wide audience. Sweden’s “Drive Safely, Drive Responsibly” campaign is a great example of how public education can reduce incidents of reckless driving. Additionally, training for public transport operators—bus, rickshaw, and truck drivers—can focus on defensive driving and road etiquette, linking safe driving behaviors to financial incentives. A well-informed society will take ownership of the roads, reducing the need for strict enforcement and fostering a culture of responsibility.
• Engineering: Designing Roads for Safety and Efficiency→
  Good infrastructure plays a critical role in traffic management. Roads designed with safety in mind help prevent accidents and reduce the burden on enforcement. High-risk intersections can be redesigned as roundabouts to naturally slow down traffic and improve flow. Sweden’s replacement of hundreds of intersections with roundabouts has resulted in a nearly 50% reduction in accidents. Dedicated lanes for buses, motorcycles, and bicycles, as seen in Bogotá’s extensive bus rapid transit (BRT) system, can reduce conflicts between different vehicle types and ease congestion. The installation of intelligent traffic signals that adapt to real-time traffic flow can optimize citywide traffic management. Pedestrian safety should also be prioritized, with overhead bridges, underpasses, and raised crosswalks ensuring that pedestrians are protected. Tokyo’s elevated walkways have significantly reduced pedestrian fatalities. Engineering is not just a technical challenge; it is a reflection of a society’s commitment to valuing human life and safety.
• Environment: Protecting the Protectors and the Public→
  The environment in which traffic officers and the public operate is also crucial. Traffic officers should be equipped with protective gear like masks and noise-cancelling devices to shield them from harsh conditions. Shorter shifts and rotating schedules can help prevent burnout, while regular health check-ups and psychological support can ensure their well-being. A healthy, supported workforce is essential for effective enforcement. The environment should also extend to the streets themselves. Incentivizing the use of electric vehicles (EVs) can reduce pollution, while promoting ride-sharing apps during peak hours can help alleviate traffic density. Furthermore, traffic officers should be trained in first aid and provided with kits to handle accidents, and rapid response units should be established in high-traffic zones to address emergencies promptly. A supportive environment for officers will enhance their morale and effectiveness, creating a ripple effect of safety and respect on the roads.

The Bridge to Public Trust

At the core of these efforts lies the rebuilding of public trust. A transparent, accountable system that combines fair enforcement, widespread education, effective engineering, and a supportive environment will help citizens see traffic police not as adversaries but as partners. By prioritizing long-term investments in infrastructure, systems, and public awareness, we can move toward a traffic ecosystem that fosters safety, respect, and cooperation.

Dhaka’s traffic management challenges are not just technical; they are moral imperatives. The 4E Framework offers a pathway to create a safer, fairer, and more humane system, grounded in the values of accountability, education, infrastructure, and empathy. The roads of Bangladesh are not just pathways for vehicles; they are lifelines for millions of lives. By adopting these solutions, we can pave the way to a better, more harmonious traffic future.