Traffic Management Challenges in Bangladesh: A Focus on Sustainable Development Goals

Traffic management in Bangladesh, especially in rapidly growing metropolitan areas such as Dhaka, Chattogram, and Khulna, remains a critical urban governance challenge. The traffic police are primarily responsible for road safety, order maintenance, and traffic law enforcement. However, they face significant challenges including limited enforcement capacity, institutional weaknesses, and low public cooperation. Addressing these issues is essential to achieving several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions).

Enforcement Challenges

1. Manpower Shortage and Inadequate Logistics Support
   • The number of traffic police personnel is insufficient relative to the growing vehicle volume and urban population.
   • Supplementary forces such as Ansar personnel and civilian volunteers provide temporary relief but cannot replace professional staffing.
   • Harsh environmental conditions contribute to occupational health problems and low retention among traffic officers.
2. Lack of Modern Equipment and Technological Integration
   • Traffic police rely on outdated manual methods, including hand signals, due to the absence of functional traffic lights and modern equipment.
   • Manual control methods place officers at risk and reduce efficiency in managing complex traffic flows.
   • Enforcement remains largely analogue, lacking digital tools such as surveillance cameras, digital ticketing, body-worn cameras, and automatic number plate recognition.
   • This gap hinders accountability, reduces public trust, and limits progress towards SDG 16.
3. Legal and Procedural Delays
   • Judicial follow-up on traffic violations is often delayed, allowing offenders to evade accountability.
   • Poor coordination and absence of digitized case tracking weaken enforcement effectiveness.
4. Corruption and Irregularities
   • Selective enforcement and unofficial settlements undermine the credibility of traffic police.
   • Political and administrative pressures compromise impartiality, fostering a culture of impunity.

Challenges in Public Cooperation

1. Disregard for Traffic Rules Among Road Users
   • Motorcyclists frequently violate traffic signals, weave through traffic, and ride on footpaths, endangering pedestrians and other road users.
   • Driving in the wrong direction and other violations are common, including among influential individuals, undermining the rule of law (SDG 16).
2. Pedestrian Behaviour and Infrastructure Deficiencies
   • Pedestrians often cross roads unsafely, ignoring designated crossings and footbridges due to inadequate infrastructure.
   • Distracted and impulsive pedestrian behaviour increases accident risks and complicates traffic management.
   • Insufficient and poorly maintained pedestrian facilities hinder progress towards SDG 11.
3. Heavy Vehicle Management and Roadside Stopping
   • Lack of designated bays or terminals for buses and trucks causes haphazard roadside stopping, leading to severe congestion and safety hazards.
   • Competition among multiple operators at the same location exacerbates traffic jams.
4. Driver and Passenger Conduct
   • Unsafe driving practices, including ignoring signals, mobile phone use while driving, and failure to wear helmets or seat belts, are widespread.
   • Many drivers lack formal training, contributing to reckless behaviour and traffic incidents.
5. Resistance to Enforcement
   • Traffic police face verbal abuse, threats, and physical confrontations, especially from politically or socially influential individuals.
   • Public transport operators and informal transport modes frequently violate traffic norms, complicating enforcement efforts.
   • Violent resistance during enforcement operations undermines authority and public safety.

Comparative Enforcement: Cantonment Zones

The cantonment areas in Dhaka exemplify effective traffic discipline with strict enforcement, surveillance, and impartial application of laws. This model highlights the potential for improved traffic management aligned with SDG 16, emphasizing the need for impartiality and accountability in law enforcement across all urban areas.

Over-Concentration in Dhaka and the Rise of Motorised Rickshaws

1. Urban Migration and Transport Demand
   • Dhaka’s role as the capital attracts large populations seeking employment, increasing transport demand and congestion.
   • Decentralization of government and non-government offices is critical to reducing urban pressure and supporting SDG 11.
2. Rickshaws: Traditional and Motorised
   • Pedalled rickshaws provide eco-friendly, affordable transport and employment for the urban poor, supporting SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
   • Electric rickshaws (e-rickshaws) offer cleaner alternatives but require regulation to address safety, licensing, and traffic congestion concerns.
3. Increasing Vehicle Numbers and Infrastructure Strain
   • Rapid growth in vehicle numbers outpaces road infrastructure capacity, necessitating urgent urban planning reforms.
   • Improved infrastructure and sustainable transport options are essential to meet SDG 9 and SDG 11 targets.
4. Illegal Street Vending
   • Street vendors occupy road space, causing congestion and obstructing pedestrian and vehicular movement.
   • Street vending is a vital livelihood for many but requires balanced regulation that respects socio-economic realities and urban order.
   • Inclusive policies are needed to uphold SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) while ensuring public accessibility.
5. Political Demonstrations and Traffic Disruption
   • Frequent rallies and processions on major roads cause severe congestion and disrupt urban mobility.
   • Managing these events requires coordination to balance civic rights with sustainable urban transport goals.

Conclusion and Recommendations

• Technological Integration: Adoption of modern traffic management technologies such as digital ticketing, surveillance, and automated enforcement systems to enhance efficiency and accountability (SDG 9, SDG 16).
• Capacity Building: Increasing manpower and improving working conditions for traffic police to ensure effective enforcement and occupational health (SDG 3, SDG 8).
• Public Awareness and Cooperation: Promoting civic education and road safety culture to foster voluntary compliance and reduce violations (SDG 11, SDG 16).
• Infrastructure Development: Expanding and maintaining pedestrian facilities, designated vehicle bays, and sustainable transport options to support urban mobility (SDG 9, SDG 11).
• Inclusive Urban Planning: Implementing decentralization strategies and regulating informal sectors like street vending with social protections to balance economic needs and urban order (SDG 1, SDG 10, SDG 11).
• Legal and Institutional Reform: Streamlining judicial processes, digitizing enforcement records, and combating corruption to strengthen rule of law and public trust (SDG 16).

Addressing these multifaceted challenges through coordinated efforts aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals is essential for creating safer, more efficient, and sustainable urban transport systems in Bangladesh.

Dr Md Motiar Rahman is a retired deputy inspector general of police.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Road safety and reduction of traffic-related injuries and fatalities.
   • Occupational health issues faced by traffic police due to environmental conditions.
2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • Modernization of traffic management through technological integration.
   • Improvement of urban infrastructure to support traffic flow and safety.
3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Improving urban traffic management and road safety.
   • Enhancing public transport systems and pedestrian infrastructure.
   • Addressing urban congestion and informal sector challenges.
4. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • Strengthening law enforcement, reducing corruption and ensuring accountability.
   • Improving judicial processes related to traffic law enforcement.
5. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • Livelihoods of informal workers such as rickshaw pullers and street vendors.
   • Balancing economic necessity with urban order.
6. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Promotion of eco-friendly transport modes like pedalled and electric rickshaws.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.6: By 2020, halve the number of global deaths and injuries from road traffic accidents.
   • Target 3.9: Reduce illnesses and deaths from hazardous chemicals and pollution.
2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure.
   • Target 9.c: Increase access to information and communications technology and strive to provide universal and affordable access.
3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Target 11.2: Provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all.
   • Target 11.3: Enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for participatory planning.
   • Target 11.6: Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities.
4. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels.
   • Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law and ensure equal access to justice.
5. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • Target 8.3: Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation and entrepreneurship.
6. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Road Safety and Traffic Management Indicators
   • Number of traffic-related injuries and fatalities (SDG 3.6).
   • Number of traffic violations recorded and fines issued.
   • Rate of enforcement actions and judicial case resolutions related to traffic violations.
2. Infrastructure and Technology Indicators
   • Availability and use of modern traffic management equipment (e.g., surveillance cameras, digital ticketing).
   • Number of traffic signals functioning and coverage of technological integration.
   • Extent of pedestrian infrastructure such as foot over bridges and designated crossings.
3. Public Cooperation and Behaviour Indicators
   • Compliance rates with traffic rules among motorists and pedestrians.
   • Incidence of public resistance or cooperation with traffic enforcement.
4. Environmental and Sustainable Transport Indicators
   • Number and regulation status of eco-friendly vehicles like pedalled and electric rickshaws.
   • Reduction in vehicle emissions due to sustainable transport modes.
5. Economic and Social Indicators
   • Number of informal workers (rickshaw pullers, street vendors) supported through inclusive policies.
   • Incidence of social unrest related to urban order enforcement.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: newagebd.net