In a proactive attempt to mitigate the capital’s notorious logistical challenges, the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has issued a comprehensive suite of traffic directives ahead of the Secondary School Certificate (SSC) and equivalent examinations. These examinations, which represent a significant milestone for thousands of students, are scheduled to commence on 21 April 2026.
The official public notice, bearing the signature of the Acting Commissioner of the DMP, Md. Sarwar, was disseminated on Saturday, 18 April. It emphasises that public cooperation is not merely requested but essential to ensure that candidates can reach their respective venues without the psychological stress and physical delay caused by urban gridlock.
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Strategic Oversight of Examination Venues
The impending academic assessments will be hosted across 127 designated centres throughout the Dhaka metropolitan region. Recognising the sheer volume of candidates and accompanying guardians, the DMP has devised a strategy to prevent the formation of “bottlenecks” that frequently paralyse the city’s arterial roads during major public events.
The primary objective of these newly implemented guidelines is to reduce non-essential traffic and eradicate the culture of illegal roadside parking near examination venues. Law enforcement agencies have been granted the authority to pursue stringent legal action, including the immediate towing of vehicles and the imposition of significant financial penalties, against any individual found in breach of these protocols.
Detailed Summary of DMP Traffic Guidelines
| Directive Category | Mandatory Protocols for Candidates and Commuters |
| Punctuality | Candidates are advised to depart with a significant time buffer. |
| Drop-off Zone | Private vehicles must drop students at secondary, less congested spots. |
| Parking Ban | Absolute prohibition of parking on roads adjacent to any centre. |
| Walking Policy | Candidates and guardians should walk the final 100–200 yards. |
| General Buffer | Non-exam commuters should avoid centre roads 2.5 hours prior. |
| Security Zone | Unauthorised gathering within 200 yards is strictly forbidden. |
Procedural Advice for Candidates and Guardians
One of the most persistent issues identified by the DMP in previous years is the congregation of large numbers of guardians at school gates. This behaviour often leads to localized gridlock that affects the entire neighbourhood. Consequently, the police have specifically requested that parents and guardians refrain from lingering on the roads once their children have entered the examination hall.
Furthermore, those utilising private transport are urged to adopt a “drop-and-walk” approach. Rather than attempting to reach the main entrance—which is often the site of intense congestion—drivers should discharge students at a safe, less busy location nearby. This small adjustment in behaviour is expected to prevent the accumulation of stationary cars that frequently causes traffic to spill over into main thoroughfares during the morning rush.
Public Safety and Legal Enforcement Measures
To preserve the sanctity of the academic environment and maintain public order, the DMP has reinforced a standing order that prohibits the presence of unauthorised personnel within a 200-yard radius of any examination centre. This exclusion zone will be rigorously monitored by both uniformed traffic officers and plainclothes security personnel.
“We are formally requesting all residents of the capital to avoid roads in the immediate vicinity of examination centres unless it is an absolute emergency,” the official notice stated. “By reducing the volume of general traffic at least two and a half hours before the exams begin, we can provide our students with the calm and stress-free commute they deserve for such a critical period.”
The Acting Commissioner reiterated that traffic sergeants have been instructed to exercise zero tolerance toward obstructive parking or illegal lane-blocking. Additionally, the DMP has coordinated with various transport owners’ associations to ensure that public buses do not linger at stops near the venues. With these measures in place, authorities aim to navigate the complex task of managing transit in one of the world’s most densely populated cities.