Tarique pushes for solutions to Dhaka’s school-hour jam

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has directed the authorities concerned to come up with alternative measures to ease chronic traffic congestion during school hours in the capital.

The instruction came during a meeting at the Cabinet Division on Tuesday morning, where Education Minister Ehsanul Haque Milon and State Minister for Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj briefed the prime minister.

According to Additional Press Secretary Atiqur Rahman Rumon, the discussion focused on the growing traffic pressure around schools and possible solutions to manage it more effectively.

“The prime minister has asked the ministry to prepare and submit a proposal outlining practical alternatives,” he said.

Officials pointed to a common scene in many city schools: dozens of private cars crowding narrow roads during pick-up and drop-off hours. 

In one example shared during the meeting, nearly 100 cars were seen gathering for just 150 students, creating severe congestion and delays.

The issue has become a daily ordeal for commuters and students alike, with many forced to navigate gridlocked streets to reach their institutions on time.

The prime minister advised the ministry to explore workable options to reduce such pressure, signaling a push for more structured traffic management around schools.

Following the meeting with the education officials, the prime minister also held separate discussions with Energy Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmud Tuku and Home Affairs Minister Anindya Islam Amit. 

Later, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral M Nazmul Hassan also met him.