Pedestrians will face jail, fine for crossing roads illegally: DMP

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has announced in a public notification that pedestrians who fail to use zebra crossings, foot overbridges or underpasses while crossing roads will face jail and fines. The notification, signed by DMP Acting Commissioner Md Sarwar, was issued on Sunday, April 12, outlining special directives for vehicle drivers and pedestrians to ensure safe and orderly movement in the capital.

According to the notification, under the Road Transport Act 2018, any pedestrian or road user who violates traffic laws or signals, or crosses roads without using zebra crossings, foot overbridges or underpasses, shall be punished with imprisonment for up to one month, a fine of up to Tk 10,000, or both.

Additionally, loading or unloading passengers or goods at unauthorised places will result in a fine of up to Tk 5,000 and one point deduction for the driver. Driving on the wrong side of the road or creating obstructions will be punishable with imprisonment for up to three months, a fine of up to Tk 10,000, or both.

The government has taken initiatives to bring important crossings in the capital under traffic signal management to improve signal systems and road discipline. As part of this initiative, traffic signal lights have already been installed at Hotel Intercontinental crossing, Banglamotor crossing, Hotel Sonargaon crossing, Farmgate Police Box crossing, Bijoy Sarani crossing, Prime Minister's Office crossing, Jahangir Gate crossing, Gulshan-2 and Gulshan-1 crossings in coordination with Dhaka North and South City Corporations and DMP.

Additionally, DMP has temporarily installed traffic signal lights at Manik Mia Avenue west end or Arang crossing, Khejurbagan crossing, July Memorial Museum crossing, Mazar Road crossing, Abul Hotel crossing, Mouchak crossing, Raysaheb Bazar Mor crossing and Love Road crossing (night only).

The notification also stated that Dhaka South City Corporation has installed traffic signal lights at six more crossings – High Court crossing, Kadam Fountain crossing, Matshya Bhaban crossing, Kakrail Mosque crossing, Police Bhaban crossing and Shahbagh crossing – which will be operational soon.

Pedestrians are instructed to use foot overbridges and zebra crossings to cross roads. Violations will result in on-the-spot punishment including imprisonment or fines through special metropolitan magistrates, and video prosecution under the Road Transport Act 2018 will be filed through CCTV monitoring.