Dhaka's Traffic at Standstill: Blame, Poverty, and Image Politics
Dhaka's traffic has reached a standstill, with average speeds plummeting to just 4.8 km/h, slower than walking pace. Meanwhile, the Bangladesh government faces criticism for its policies that seem to prioritise image over impact, particularly on the poor and working class.
The government's historic disregard for the poor and working class persists, even after the July uprising. Policies appear tailored to appease the middle class and wealthy, while traffic congestion worsens. Dhaka's road length per capita is a mere 0.213 meters, and major roads are restricted to rickshaws, yet traffic speeds remain stagnant.
Rickshaw pullers, who account for 35% of Dhaka's trips, are often blamed for congestion. However, billions of takas spent on flyovers and expressways exclude rickshaws, making the blame unjust. These pullers, many of whom are former apparel workers, students, or farmers, are driven into this profession by poverty. Videos of rickshaws being bulldozed draw sympathy, while those of electric rickshaws on flyovers fuel anger, highlighting the selective nature of public opinion.
In the age of social media, facts and the lived pain of poverty often go unnoticed in busy lives. The government's focus on image over impact is evident in its dismissive approach to evaluating the real effects of its decisions.
Dhaka's traffic crisis demands urgent attention. Rickshaw pullers, who play a significant role in Dhaka's transport, deserve fair consideration. The government must address the root causes of traffic congestion, including inadequate infrastructure and the exclusion of rickshaws from key roads. It's time to move beyond image-conscious policies and focus on tangible solutions that benefit all Dhaka residents.
