Dhaka: Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed today stated that the government has enhanced coordination among various ministries, departments, and service agencies to ensure integrated development within Dhaka and its surrounding areas. The aim is to alleviate public inconvenience caused by frequent road excavation.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Home Minister emphasized the necessity of carrying out all development activities in a coordinated manner, stressing that roads should not be dug up repeatedly. He addressed the media after presiding over a coordination meeting focused on mitigating traffic congestion caused by mega projects in Dhaka. The meeting took place at the Ministry of Home Affairs in the Secretariat.
The minister highlighted that this initiative would conserve government resources and time, while also reducing disruptions for city residents. Participants in the coordination process include representatives from MRT, the Bangladesh Bridge Authority, the Roads and Highways Department, city corporations, WASA, DESA, Bangladesh Railway, BRT, DTCA, as well as electricity and gas agencies.
Coordination meetings are set to occur every 15 days, and focal points along with subcommittees have been established to facilitate quick communication among the involved agencies. Furthermore, utility shifting for metro rail construction is being coordinated with traffic authorities, and an AI-based traffic management system has been introduced to enhance road discipline and reduce congestion.
The government is nearing completion of land acquisition and formulating plans to relocate major bus terminals, such as those in Mohakhali and Fulbaria, to areas outside the city. Authorities are also contemplating a long-term system of dedicated, covered utility corridors to prevent repetitive road excavation for utility works.
Regarding battery-operated autorickshaws, a policy has been developed to regulate the movement of small three-wheelers and battery-operated vehicles on major roads. Joint operations are underway to disconnect illegal charging points that utilize unauthorized electricity connections.
Concerning the proposed local government election schedule, the minister noted that the Election Commission's plan remains tentative and is not a final decision. An inter-ministerial meeting involving secretaries from various ministries is scheduled for September 17. The Election Commission will finalize the election schedule based on feedback from this meeting.
On the topic of the crude bomb blast that occurred in front of the High Court following the International Crimes Tribunal's verdict sentencing seven individuals to death, the minister reported that those responsible have been identified through CCTV footage analysis. Legal action is being pursued following a thorough investigation.
The minister also mentioned that law enforcement agencies are on heightened alert against sporadic processions and activities by banned organizations. Necessary measures have been implemented to maintain law and order.