Photo : Collected
In the absence of traffic police, students in Dhaka have stepped up to manage traffic and clean the roads on Wednesday. Thousands of students are now overseeing traffic at various signals across the city. Their responsible behavior has been widely appreciated by the public, including rickshaw pullers, buses, and trucks. The positive impact of the students' efforts is evident, with many noting that they no longer face issues such as bribes on the roads.
Traffic on Dhaka’s roads has noticeably increased, and the number of students involved in traffic management has also risen. In areas such as Motijheel, Shahbagh, Sciencelab, Mugda, Ganabhaban, Mohammadpur, Dhanmondi 27, Satmasjid Road, and Agargaon, students are actively managing traffic and cleaning roads. Each intersection and alley has around 10 to 15 students on duty.
While the number of buses remains lower than usual, there has been a noticeable increase in private vehicles, CNG-powered auto-rickshaws, rickshaws, and motorcycles. Students are now working in shifts at traffic signals to help manage the flow of vehicles.
At 10 am, 15 to 20 female students were observed cleaning the road in front of Mugda Medical Hospital, while 10 to 12 students were managing traffic. They issued warnings to those not wearing helmets, redirected drivers going the wrong way, and removed obstacles from sidewalks causing traffic jams.
Saiful, a rickshawpuller, remarked, "I’ve always driven in the opposite direction from Manignagar and have never been stopped. Today, I got stuck for the first time in 10 years, but it’s no problem to go around a bit. I appreciate their initiative."
Hafeez, a truck driver, praised the students’ efforts: "The way the students are managing the roads is impressive. I haven’t had to pay any illegal toll throughout the day. It’s a joy to not have to give money to anyone and feel a different kind of satisfaction. I hope this trend continues."
Alam, a battery-powered auto-rickshaw driver, shared that he previously had to pay Tk 100 as illegal toll in the Manik Nagar area. He noted that now it feels different, praising the students’ leadership: “Student leadership has never been so well known before. We want leaders like these students in the future.”
Student Tasmia expressed her enthusiasm for her voluntary traffic management role: “I’m doing this work happily. Some of my classmates will join from tomorrow. We aim to ensure no more extortion on the roads.”
Another student, Abid Alam, emphasized their commitment to creating positive change: “If we need to do more for the country, we’re ready. Now is the time for change. We want to set an example with our actions. Those who will lead in the future should manage the country with honesty, keeping our work in mind.”
Messenger/Fameema
