Lax attitude to law breaking stifles road safety efforts, says DMP chief

Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner Asaduzzaman Mia says that city residents must first respect the law if any order is to be restored to the roads.

He made the remarks while launching traffic week at Karwan Bazar’s Sonargaon Hotel on Sunday.

“The Dhaka Metropolitan Police Traffic Division is working tirelessly to restore order to the roads,” he said. “We are not lacking in our effort or our sincerity. But that effort is going to waste because of the attitude towards breaking the law.”

“One of our biggest problems is that we have a culture of ignoring the law. I call upon the responsible people in our society that you obey the law and do so enthusiastically.”

“Everyone must support traffic police and follow traffic laws. If we do not develop a mentality where everyone follows and respects the law, it will be impossible to ensure order on the roads.”

The DMP chief called upon everyone to obey the law.

“Let us all follow traffic laws and inspire others to do so. Please support police in implementing traffic laws.”

“We are issuing fines and filing cases where traffic laws are broken,” he said. “But fines are not the be all and end all. Everyone must be conscious of the situation.”

“We are holding various programmes to raise awareness of traffic laws to restore order to the roads.”

A proposal to run all passenger buses on Dhaka Metropolitan area roads through six companies is being explored, the police chief said.

“If this occurs it will reduce the tendency towards reckless, competitive driving and reduce the risk of accidents. We are currently working on the matter.”

Traffic Order Week began on Mar 17 and will end on Mar 23.