The Traffic Division of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) on Thursday clamped ban on doing business on the capitals roads during Ramadan to avert traffic congestion.
At a press conference on raffic management and guidance in the holy month of Ramadan at DMP Media Centre DMP Additional Police Commissioner (Traffic Division) Md Munibur Rahman said, "Although the offices close at 3:30pm during Ramadan, it has been observed that from 5:30pm to Iftar most of the city dwellers head for their destinations in hurry."
Some makeshift businesses developed on the city streets, causing serious traffic congestions across the city.
The situation would changed as soon as the authorities impose ban on doing any business on roads. Traders won be allowed to do business on roads, said Munibur Rahman.
He said most of the people try to go to their destinations in a hurry, it creates unnecessary traffic congestion at various important intersections.
"In the existing reality of the metropolis, if a signal is activated for one-lane drive at a three-lane intersection, the other lanes have to be temporarily closed, so traffic division faces heavy pressure," he said.
Munib said it is also a challenge to control line management before iftar, as most people move head for home before iftar.
Therefore, he urged the city dwellers to start their homeward journey as soon as their offices close.
He explained the steps taken during the first 10 days of Ramadan to ensure smooth traffic management.
He sought cooperation in keeping roads clear form smooth traffic movement.
He said illegal car parking has been banned singe the beginning of Ramadan.
He urged people not to park their vehicles illegally and haphazardly on roads.
Regarding commuters waiting for long at turning points of important roads instead of at bus stands, he said, "This disrupts and slows down traffic movement."
He requested commuters to wait at designated bus stoppages.
