AI-based 'auto fine system' to be gradually launched on all highways across country: Home Minister

The government will review the effectiveness of the AI-based 'auto fine system' being piloted on the Dhaka-Chattogram highway and gradually introduce the technology on other highways across the country, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has said .

He made the remarks at an event organised at the Highway Police Command, Control and Monitoring Centre at Meghnaghat in Sonargaon, Narayanganj, on Tuesday morning, August 18. At the event, the AI-based automated fine system on the Dhaka-Chattogram highway was formally inaugurated.

The Home Minister said the technology-driven system will play an important role in restoring discipline in highway traffic. The effectiveness, results and experiences of the system on the Dhaka-Chattogram highway will be evaluated before gradually rolling it out on other highways across the country.

He said the use of modern technology will add a new dimension to enforcing traffic laws, enhance discipline on the roads and enable faster action against violators.

The Home Minister also took a firm stance against illegal extortion on highways. He said no form of extortion would be tolerated. CCTV and AI cameras will be able to identify anyone involved in such activities, whether from transport owner and worker organisations or law enforcement agencies, with cooperation from the public also required.

He also stressed the importance of stopping illegal and unauthorised vehicles on highways. Unauthorised and unlicensed three-wheelers and non-motorised vehicles will not be allowed to ply on highways, and legal action will be taken against them.

However, considering the travel needs of local people, he directed the Highway Police to coordinate access to feeder roads and CNG filling stations.

The Highway Police said AI cameras have been installed on 490 pillars along approximately 250 kilometres of the Dhaka-Chattogram highway. These cameras will automatically detect various traffic violations.

Offences such as speeding, dangerous overtaking, disregarding traffic signals and signs, driving on the wrong side and illegal parking will be under camera surveillance .

When a vehicle violates traffic laws, the information captured by the cameras will be automatically stored. This data will then be cross-checked with the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) database to identify the registered owner of the vehicle .

The owner will then receive an SMS on their registered mobile number informing them of the case, and fines can be paid online through mobile financial services .

Repeat offenders may face stricter measures, including cancellation of registration and administrative and legal action as per BRTA rules.

Highway Police officials said the auto fine system will reduce the need for direct contact between police and drivers when violations occur, increasing transparency and accountability in fine collection and reducing opportunities for irregularities and corruption. The process of depositing fines into government coffers will also be easier.

The event was chaired by Highway Police Chief and Additional IGP Faruk Ahmed. Special guests included Bangladesh Road Transport Workers Federation President and MP Shamsur Rahman Shimul Biswas, Narayanganj-3 MP Azharul Islam Mannan, and Inspector General of Police Md Ali Hossain Fakir.