Bangladesh unveils bold plan to automate Dhaka's chaotic traffic system
A high-level meeting on road safety and traffic management will take place at the Bangladesh Secretariat. Organised by the Road Transport and Bridges Ministry, the session aims to make swift decisions with input from key authorities and stakeholders.
The gathering follows a directive from Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, who chaired an earlier discussion on the same issues. Sheikh Rabiul Alam, Minister for Road Transport and Bridges, will lead the meeting. State Ministers Habibur Rashid (Road Transport and Highways) and Mir Shahe Alam (Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives) will also attend.
The agenda includes major changes for Dhaka's traffic system. Plans involve automating 120 signals, constructing bypass roads and overpasses, and clearing bus counters from the city. Inter-district bus terminals will replace city-based services, while road encroachments will be removed. Additional measures include GPS tracking for city buses, auto signals at level crossings, and escalators on footbridges.
Currently, seven automated traffic signals operate in Dhaka. Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed announced on March 24, 2026, that six more would be added within a week. The short-term goal is to complete this phase by the end of April, marking the first step toward full automation. The meeting seeks to finalise actionable plans for Dhaka's traffic and road safety. Decisions made will involve multiple government bodies and stakeholders. Implementation is expected to begin shortly after the session concludes.
