DI calls for controlling use of private cars to ease Dhaka traffic congestion

The Democracy International has demanded to control the number of private cars in the capital as, what it has said, the six percent of the users are occupying 76 percent of the streets.

The Washington-based organisation made the demand at a news conference at Dhaka Reporters' Unity on Saturday blaming 'the excessive numbers of private cars are the main reason for traffic congestion in the capital.'

DI Political Fellow and Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal Joint Secretary Shahinoor Nargis said, "only 6 percent people use private cars that occupy 76 percent of the streets."

"We demand to the authorities to control private cars and make public transports readily available (for the commuters)," she said.

Referring to Dhaka City Corporation data, it said at the news conference that 5,407 public transports ply on 168 routes in Dhaka against the demand for 13,000 vehicles.

Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader also blames the private cars for the traffic congestion in the capital and has spoken about reducing the number.

The DI also blamed slow-moving rickshaws and an inadequate number of streets across the capital for the traffic jams.

It recommended building foot over bridges on 20 level crossings, demarcating lanes, and modernising rail and waterway connections.

Former judge Justice Shikder Moqbul Haque and DI Deputy Programme Director Aminul Islam, among others, were present.

The Washington-based organisation work to support active citizens, responsive governments, civil society and political organisations for a more peaceful and democratic world.