MD HADIUZZAMAN

In a densely populated country like Bangladesh—especially in Dhaka, the mega city with its unique characteristics—addressing issues such as infrastructure, traffic control, and safety requires more than just physical development. This is a complex issue, and solely focusing on infrastructure will not provide a solution. Instead, comprehensive policy reform is essential. At present, significant loopholes exist in policy. We have not prioritised policy development, which is why, despite having infrastructure, we are not fully reaping its expected benefits.

Policy formulation and implementation are crucial for infrastructure development. When major transport infrastructure is built without policies for vehicle control, registration, or appropriate vehicle models, informal transport systems emerge. As a result, despite extensive infrastructure development, Dhaka has become an immobile city—something we experience daily. While a significant amount of infrastructure has already been constructed, the urgent need now is a policy on vehicle regulation and its effective implementation.

Dhaka already has strong connectivity with divisional and district cities. To enhance the public transport system, priority should now be given to selecting the appropriate types and numbers of vehicles. While the required investment is relatively low, the impact could be highly significant.

The current and future governments, along with policymakers, must recognise that investment should be distributed across divisions and districts rather than being concentrated in the capital. By developing workplaces in these areas, we can help decentralise economic opportunities and reduce the influx into Dhaka, ultimately reversing the trend of overpopulation in the city. Only then will we see a meaningful return on the infrastructure built over the past 15 to 20 years.

We often highlight that Dhaka contributes 35% to our GDP. However, it is equally important to acknowledge that this economic output is significantly offset by the costs associated with traffic congestion. This should be considered when evaluating the city’s economic impact.

Additionally, the role of the Planning Commission is crucial. It must be strengthened, as it plays a vital role in shaping policies for both Dhaka and the entire country. Reforming the commission is necessary, particularly in how development projects are planned and approved, as this falls directly under its jurisdiction. At present, the commission lacks professional planners who have the expertise to assess whether a project will be truly beneficial. It is essential to include such professionals in the planning process to ensure that projects are effectively designed and yield long-term benefits.

Another critical issue is the strain on our road network, particularly regarding connectivity between Dhaka and other cities and districts. While it may seem that expanding roads—such as converting two-lane roads into four lanes or four-lane roads into six lanes—would reduce travel time and improve mobility, this approach exposes a fundamental flaw in planning. Roads such as the Dhaka-Sylhet Road or the Dhaka-Chattogram Road serve as connecting roads rather than dedicated mobility corridors. Even though widening these roads may provide temporary relief, the long-term impact will be minimal as they are not designed for sustained, efficient mobility.

The current approach to road development in surrounding areas, particularly road widening, often results in displacement and significant harm to local businesses. Moreover, expanding roads cannot be effectively managed by simply installing barricades, as these fail to address the strong social and economic ties between communities on both sides. For instance, despite barriers, people continue to cross the Dhaka-Mawa Expressway horizontally. This happens because these are connecting roads rather than dedicated mobility routes. Therefore, road planning must incorporate the development of a separate mobility network—an entirely distinct road system designed for improved transportation efficiency.