Iqbal Habib, Architect :
Without creating any alternative, it is not possible to bring discipline in road traffic by banning a particular mode of transport. That is why, replacement is necessary here instead of removal. While addressing a press conference on September 2, Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner said that human hauliers, known as laguna, would not be allowed to ply on the streets of the capital. The move taken by the concerned authorities to bring discipline on the roads without creating any alternative is not appropriate. Because, the sufferers have no place to air their grievances.
Low-income and even middle-income group of people use human hauliers like laguna for commuting. Laguna is the only mode of transport for them. At the same time, it is also true that we have to start from any point to avoid using illegal vehicles. I do not rule out the move altogether taken by the government or the law enforcers. But we should phase it out.
The number of other vehicles should be increased where the human hauliers have been banned. The vehicles, which are legal like minibus, should replace the illegal ones.
Late Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) Mayor Annisul Huq imported 3,000 buses against 7,600 buses. He also replaced 3,000 buses.
Of the 7,600 buses which can be remodeled and modernized, those should be added to the previous ones and the unfit ones should be replaced. It means that the total number of the vehicles should be replaced. This has to be done under a comprehensive plan.
Based on an interview by Ashiq Rahman, translated by Hossen Sohel