City to have digital traffic system: PM

The government is going to introduce a digital system to improve the capital's traffic management, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina told parliament yesterday.

Replying to a question from Jatiya Party MP Mujib-ul-Haque Chunnu, Hasina said adopting a digital technology would make traffic management easier.

In response to another question from  JP MP Rustom Ali Farazi, the PM said her government had taken initiatives to provide financial assistance to “surrendered drug dealers” so that they can start other businesses.

In his question, Chunnu said people were disappointed with the government mainly because of the capital's unbearable traffic congestion.

In another supplementary question, JP MP Kazi Feroz Rashid asked whether the PM would instruct the traffic division of police to digitally control vehicles at different intersections.

“We want to control traffic in Dhaka city electronically and digitally. Some parts of the capital have already been brought under such a system and if the system is introduced to other parts of the city, people's sufferings will be reduced to a great extent,” Hasina replied.

The government has reintroduced an automatic traffic lights which almost went out of order, she said.

 “I would like to tell the authorities, which control traffic signals, not to hold vehicles for a long time.”

The PM said she has almost stopped leaving home because vehicles get held when her motorcade moves.

“Except attending office and other programmes, I seldom visit other places…

“When I assumed office in 2009, there were 52 vehicles in my motorcade. I reduced it to eight later.”

Referring to traffic congestions in London and Washington, Hasina said traffic jam was a problem in all developed countries.

REHABILITATION OF DRUG DEALERS

Hasina said the government would rehabilitate the drug dealers after they surrender.

“Many drug peddlers are surrendering due to a (nationwide) massive awareness campaign… Financial assistance will be given to them for their rehabilitation so that they can engage in different businesses to lead a better life.”

About the plans to fight drugs, she said, “Necessary measures have already been taken to set up anti-drugs special zone in Teknaf.”