Traffic jam and rickshaws
Many environmental groups and public (including me) have been writing to you against the ban on rickshaws. Today (DS) even an expert from London has concurred that rickshaws and fuel-run vehicles must co-exist in Dhaka for the good of the majority of people poor, old, infirm, sick, disabled, women, children and small traders who make up over 90% of road users as against perhaps 1-5% car owners who have a free run of most roads. If the Traffic Pundits were to defend their cars-only policy, it would be something like this: 1. Traffic jams are a thing of the past on Dhaka roads. They do not exist. 2. All cars have headlights half-painted, so they do not blind others. 3. Dhaka's streets are silent, as no driver is permitted to blow his horn. 4. Since no car can park on the streets, traffic is smooth and easy. 5. Footpaths, free from occupation, have been constructed everywhere for pedestrians. 6. The roads are lighted at night for drivers and pedestrians. 7. Harmful emissions are banned on Dhaka roads. There is no pollution. 8. All CNGs & taxis politely take passengers wherever they want to go on meter. 9. All drivers are rigorously tested before issuing the driving licence. 10. The Chief Adviser's directive to policemen to be polite and humane is being implemented. P.S. In compliance, I (75 years old with failing eyesight and wobbly legs) have been 'humanely ' ejected from my rickshaw regularly at night on my way home from work and 'politely' told to walk down the dark pot-holed Mohakhali Road, dodging blinding racing cars with blaring horns. How long will this ostrich-head-in-the-sand policy go on? If the Traffic Pundits have given up, contact me. I have the perfect solution to all of Dhaka's traffic problems where all can co-exist without complaints. The traffic dept. and government will also make a lot of halal money in the bargain.
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