SHAMIMA RITA and HELEMUL ALAM

Dhaka drivers are gradually changing their long-ingrained traffic habits as AI-based enforcement and semi-automated traffic signals reshape behaviour at major intersections across the city.

At several key junctions where the government has installed semi-automated signals and introduced AI-driven monitoring, vehicles are increasingly obeying traffic lights.

Motorcycles, private cars and CNG-run auto-rickshaws are now frequently stopping at zebra crossings when the signals turn red, leaving pedestrian spaces clear. Many drivers are also waiting for green lights before moving.

The AI-based traffic prosecution system, launched by Dhaka Metropolitan Police to automatically detect violations and penalise offenders, currently operates at eight locations: the Hotel InterContinental intersection, Bangla Motor, Kakrail, Karwan Bazar, Bijoy Sarani, Jahangir Gate, Rampura, and the Gabtoli-Airport Road corridor.

On-the-spot observations at Bangla Motor, Karwan Bazar, Bijoy Sarani and Jahangir Gate found improved compliance among both public and private vehicles, although traffic police still intervene manually in some situations.

AI-enabled cameras detect five violations: signal jumping, wrong-way driving, lane violations, illegal parking and entering closed left lanes.

Officials said the cameras instantly capture violations, retrieve vehicle information from the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority database, and send notices to owners via SMS or email.

DMP Traffic Division Additional Commissioner Md Anisur Rahman said those who fail to pay fines within the stipulated period could face summonses and, if necessary, arrest warrants.

According to DMP officials, the initiative has reduced pressure on manual enforcement. The cameras have captured over 2,000 clips of traffic violations, with around 502 cases currently being processed.

More than 120 AI-enabled cameras are now operating at around 60 locations across Dhaka, with coverage set to expand further within six months.

“Drivers who ignored manual instructions earlier are now more careful because enforcement

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