In reply: Road safety in Bangladesh
On 1st August I was amazed at how D. Jones highlighted the traffic situation in our country. Kudos to him for taking such interest in a mess that we have created. I am humbled by this man's effort (owing to the fact that he has actually taken the time emailing various organisations about the matter!). I have something positive that I want to let him know.
I have seen buses stop at bus terminals (yes, bus terminals, not just by the side of the road). I have seen people line up and in the most mannered sense do they get on those buses. I have seen cars brake at red and go at green. Now where in Dhaka, one might wonder, is this possible? Only in one magical place - Cantonment. Now how do they do it in Cantonment? I came up with two answers:
1. They do not allow illiterate drivers in Cantonment. In other words, only army drivers (those trained by the army) are allowed to drive in the Cantonment area. And those drivers, I tell you sir, are top graded.
2. Constant monitoring by Army Military Police (MP). The Cantonment is obviously off-limits to the common people for national security reasons. However, if it is an emergency or the fastest route available in an urgent situation, they would most likely allow you to use the Cantonment roads. Army MP does not tolerate any indiscipline on road. You show them a little rowdy side of yours and you are immediately asked to stop and show papers (license, etc.). No one wants to get into trouble with the Army MP.
It is possible in Bangladesh to follow these driving and safety rules - that much I know, that much I've seen.
To finish, I'd like to apologise to D. Jones and all the disturbed and worried foreigner well-wishers/guests that we have in Bangladesh. I am sorry and I care too, about road safety in Bangladesh.
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