Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has directed authorities to fast-track the modernisation of traffic management in Dhaka, aiming to bring relief to the capital’s chronic congestion.
The directive came on Wednesday afternoon during a high-level meeting at the Cabinet Division focused on reducing traffic congestion and upgrading the city’s traffic management systems.
On the first working day after Eid, the prime minister placed strong emphasis on practical solutions to ease gridlock, signalling urgency in tackling one of Dhaka’s most persistent urban challenges.
He emphasised the need for coordinated efforts to tackle the capital’s persistent traffic problems and improve overall traffic management.
Senior officials from the relevant ministries and agencies attended the meeting.
Officials said the discussion centred on improving traffic flow, adopting modern control systems and ensuring better coordination among relevant agencies.
After the meeting, Home Minister Slahuddin Ahmed said the government has mapped out a phased plan to overhaul traffic management in Dhaka under the prime minister’s directive.
“As part of the plan, we held detailed discussions on what can be done in the short, medium and long term,” said Salahuddin Ahmed.
“All relevant agencies were present, including DMP, the two city corporations, the Home Ministry, experts from RAJUK and BUET, as well as other concerned ministries and authorities.”
He said the meeting reached several key decisions, particularly on immediate steps to ease congestion, though details will be announced later in the form of official resolutions.
“God willing, we expect to implement the short-term measures by the end of April. This should significantly reduce traffic congestion in Dhaka,” he added.
Salahuddin noted that full implementation of the medium- and long-term plans would bring comprehensive improvements to the city’s traffic system.
The minister also highlighted progress in traffic signal automation using locally developed technology. “Electric signals at seven intersections are currently operational. Within a week, six more intersections will be brought under the system. Eventually, around 120 traffic signals across Dhaka will be automated in phases,” he said
Earlier in the day, Krishna Srinivasan, Director of the Asia and Pacific Department at the International Monetary Fund, paid a courtesy call on the prime minister. Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury was present at the meeting.
According to Additional Press Secretary Atiqur Rahman Rumon, the prime minister began his day early, leaving his Gulshan residence at 8:40am and reaching the Secretariat at 9:01am. He exchanged Eid greetings with officials before resuming office work.
Among those who greeted him were Ariful Haque Chowdhury, Rashiduzzaman Millat, adviser Mahdi Amin, Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Gani and Principal Secretary ABM Abdus Sattar, along with other senior officials.
The meeting is seen as an early signal of the government’s intent to prioritise traffic reforms in Dhaka, where congestion continues to disrupt daily life and economic activity.