A widely praised student-led traffic support scheme in Dhaka has been suspended following a funding shortfall, leaving hundreds of young participants without work and intensifying concerns over worsening congestion in the capital. The Dhaka Metropolitan Police discontinued the initiative on 28 February, citing an absence of financial allocation.
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Origins of the Initiative
The programme was introduced in December 2024 through a collaborative effort between the interim administration and the Dhaka Metropolitan Police. Its dual purpose was to alleviate the burden on traffic personnel and to create part-time employment opportunities for students pursuing higher education.
More than 800 students were assigned to key intersections across the city, where they assisted in directing vehicles, managing pedestrian crossings, and easing traffic pressure in densely populated areas. Their presence was particularly effective in locations prone to chronic congestion.
Sudden Disruption for Students
The abrupt termination of the programme has placed many students in a precarious financial position. For participants who depended on this income to support their studies and daily expenses, the decision has come as a severe setback.
Muhammad Mian, a university student who had been engaged in the role for over a year, said the work had provided stability and a sense of responsibility. With its sudden end, he now faces uncertainty in meeting his expenses. Other students expressed disappointment that no advance notice was given, arguing that even a short warning period would have allowed them to explore alternative sources of income.
Impact on Urban Mobility
The absence of student assistants has already begun to affect traffic conditions in several parts of the city. Areas such as Tejgaon and Motijheel, known for heavy traffic and frequent bottlenecks, have reportedly experienced increased congestion since the programme’s suspension.
Local traders and commuters have noted that student assistants played an active role in maintaining order, particularly near railway crossings and busy junctions. Their efforts often helped reduce delays and improve traffic flow during peak hours.
Official Position
Authorities have acknowledged the effectiveness of the initiative and indicated that steps are being taken to reinstate it. A senior traffic official from the Dhaka Metropolitan Police stated that the suspension was solely due to financial constraints and not a reflection of the programme’s performance.
He added that a request for funding has already been submitted to the appropriate ministry and expressed hope that the scheme could resume once financial support is secured. The official also emphasised that the involvement of students had significantly enhanced traffic management efficiency and served the public interest.
Key Information Summary
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Launch period | December 2024 |
| Suspension date | 28 February |
| Total participants | Over 800 students |
| Main responsibilities | Traffic direction and pedestrian management |
| Cause of suspension | Financial shortage |
| Future outlook | Awaiting funding approval |
Broader Implications
The suspension underscores the vulnerability of public service initiatives that depend on limited funding. While the programme had demonstrated clear benefits for both traffic management and student employment, its continuity now hinges on timely financial support.
For the moment, affected students and city residents alike remain hopeful that the authorities will secure the necessary resources to revive a scheme that had become an integral part of Dhaka’s daily traffic management.