Dhaka: Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today instructed the relocation of key transport and market facilities, including the Fulbaria Bus Terminal and Kawran Bazar kitchen market, as part of a strategic initiative to alleviate traffic congestion in the capital.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Prime Minister outlined a comprehensive plan during a meeting at the Prime Minister's Tejgaon Office, focusing on modernizing traffic management and improving public transport efficiency. The meeting emphasized the introduction of Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) systems on expressway toll plazas and flyovers to streamline toll collection processes.
The directives include shifting the Fulbaria Bus Terminal to Keraniganj, with immediate plans to construct a temporary terminal on 15 acres of land at the Jhilmil project within a four-month timeframe. Additionally, the Kawran Bazar kitchen market will be relocated to Gabtoli to ease local traffic pressure, and the Gabtoli Bus Terminal will undergo expansion to enhance its capacity and vehicle management.
The Prime Minister called for a review of the existing BUET report concerning the Jatrabari-Gulistan Flyover congestion, with recommendations due within 15 days. Coordination with the city corporation and traffic police will be essential for implementing these changes effectively.
Further initiatives include evaluating potential parking solutions around the Secretariat and formulating a separate policy to regulate auto rickshaw operations in the city. Authorities were also directed to address unauthorized double-decker sleeper buses on the roads.
The meeting was attended by key government officials, including Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, Road Transport and Bridges Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam, and other senior officials, who pledged to ensure inter-agency cooperation and timely execution of the Prime Minister's directives.