No boarding, alighting in middle of road: DMP

Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner Mainul Hasan has issued strict instructions to halt the practices of driving unfit vehicles, passengers boarding and alighting in the middle of the road, and the random parking of buses. 

He gave these directives during a meeting on Saturday (September 21) titled "Discussion with Bus Owners on Implementing Proper Management and Discipline in Public Transport," held at the DMP headquarters.

The DMP Commissioner emphasised that maintaining traffic order requires stopping unfit vehicles from operating, preventing passengers from getting on and off buses in the middle of the road, and eliminating random vehicle parking. 

Addressing the bus owners, he urged that drivers and bus staff be more aware and vigilant in following traffic rules. "They need to be monitored and held accountable," he said.

He expressed confidence that with sincere efforts from all parties, traffic congestion in the capital could be kept at a tolerable level. "The Dhaka Metropolitan Police will always be by your side for any need," he added.

Reflecting on the challenges faced earlier, the DMP chief said, "I took over as Commissioner during the special circumstances following the August 5 student uprising. At that time, there was widespread disorder on the roads and in public transport. We have made significant improvements since then and are working to maintain that progress."

The meeting also called for increased cooperation from bus owners and for holding awareness sessions to educate bus workers on road safety and discipline.

Present at the meeting were DMP Additional Commissioner of Police (Admin) Faruq Ahmed, Additional Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Khondkar Najmul Hasan, Joint Commissioner of Police, various traffic police officers, and representatives from city bus companies.