Mazaharul Islam

A research report published by ‘Work for a Better Bangladesh’ (WBB) says that 44% of the roads of Dhaka do not have footpaths on either side. It further illustrates that 82% of the footpaths in Dhaka are not in fit state to be used. The research was based on 6 busy locations of Dhaka including Mirpur, Uttara, Gazipur and Old Dhaka.

The paper was presented during a discussion meeting titled ‘Creating a safe and smooth environment for pedestrians in the city’. Project Officer Md. Atiqur Rahman presented the paper himself.

The research paper also said that although most of the people of the city travel on foot, cars are given more importance when it comes to urban planning. It is due to that reason that Dhaka has become the city of traffic jam. At the same time, pollution due to the burning of fossil fuels and accidents are on the rise. This is putting our future at risk.

A survey conducted for the research shows 79% of the people of Dhaka consider the speed of vehicles on the roads to be dangerous. They also wished that footpaths were given importance while constructing roads, footpaths were cleared of obstacles, trash cans and toilets were set up and lights were set up to make footpaths safe at night.

Handicapped people dependent on wheel chairs, sticks or crutches also find it hard to navigate Dhaka as the city has no aid system in place to make commuting easier for them.

Translated by: Sumaiya Kabir