Dhaka: In a historic step to enhance road safety in Dhaka, a state-of-the-art Traffic Safety Education Center (TSEC) has been established at the DMP Training Academy located at the Rajarbagh Police Lines. The center was inaugurated under the Dhaka Road Traffic Safety Project (DRSP) through a joint initiative of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) and JICA.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, since 2021, JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency) has been collaborating with the DMP to improve the road safety situation in Dhaka through the DRSP project. This pilot project aims to educate students about traffic rules, safety practices, and responsible road use. The Japan Traffic Safety Education Association (JATRUS), an expert in traffic safety education in Japan, developed the special simulator for Dhaka, with installation completed on June 1, 2025.
As part of this initiative, 13 officers from the DMP, including Inspectors, Sergeants, and Constables, received two hours of specialized hands-on training on the operation and use of the simulator from JATRUS experts. The training aims to effectively deliver traffic safety education to students and the general public.
DMP Joint Commissioner (Traffic - Admin, Planning and Research) Md. Anisur Rahman, DRSP Project Leader Yoshihisa Asada, and members of the JICA expert team visited the TSEC today. They observed the operation of the simulator and expressed satisfaction with its effectiveness. Some children aged 6 to 15 years old expressed their excitement and joy by using the simulator in a trial mode.
The Traffic Safety Education Center will be officially inaugurated after the Eid holidays. Following the inauguration, school students will be invited to take training and experience the simulator. The DMP hopes that this center, with JICA's support, will play an important role in educating young road users about traffic rules and safety.
In addition, last May, DRSP completed another pilot project to encourage safe pedestrian crossing using traffic lights. The DMP is currently receiving these traffic lights and planning to install them at risky locations for pedestrians. This initiative has started a new chapter in Dhaka's road safety system, aiming to build a safer and more aware city in the future.