Despite a highway police crackdown, bus drivers flout traffic rules and continue to drop off passengers in the middle of the road on the Dhaka-Chattogram highway. As a result, plenty of passengers are endangering their lives by jumping over the highway divider in an attempt to cross the roads. Quoting the highway police, a report released by bdnews24.com on Wednesday said random bus halts cannot be prevented if bus drivers are unaware of the risks they pose to the lives of the passengers. However, bus drivers claim they have to unload passengers in the middle of the highway as illegal parking of vehicles brings traffic to a standstill on the service lanes, the report said noting that a video recently released by an individual collecting money from passersby by helping them cross the highway dividers with the help of a ladder in Siddhirganj's Shimrail area went viral on social media. The police arrested Rabiul Hossain following the incident and also confiscated the two ladders that he used for the unconventional business scheme.
Travelling along the Dhaka-Chittagong highway, a vital lifeline connecting two major cities in Bangladesh should ideally be a journey of convenience and safety. However, the reality for many passengers often resembles a harrowing ordeal, marred by the flagrant disregard for traffic rules exhibited by bus drivers. Illegal stops along this route have become a prevalent issue, resulting in significant suffering and inconvenience for commuters. This article explores the multifaceted challenges faced by passengers due to the reckless behaviour of bus drivers and underscores the urgent need for effective solutions to ensure safer and more reliable transportation.
The Dhaka-Chittagong highway serves as a crucial artery for both commercial and personal travel, facilitating the movement of goods and people between the two major economic hubs of Bangladesh. However, despite its importance, the highway has earned a notorious reputation for the rampant flouting of traffic regulations, particularly concerning illegal stops by bus drivers. These stops occur frequently and haphazardly, often in areas where halting is strictly prohibited, such as narrow bridges, blind corners, or high-speed zones.
One of the most significant consequences of these illegal stops is the compromised safety of passengers. Bus drivers, driven by the pressure to meet schedules or maximize profits, prioritize convenience over safety, endangering the lives of those onboard as well as other road users. Abrupt halts in prohibited areas increase the risk of collisions, especially on a busy and fast-paced highway like the Dhaka-Chittagong route. Passengers find themselves trapped in precarious situations, powerless to mitigate the dangers posed by the reckless actions of bus drivers.
Moreover, illegal stops lead to severe disruptions in travel schedules, causing considerable inconvenience for passengers. Delays resulting from these unauthorized halts can range from minutes to hours, leaving commuters stranded and frustrated along the roadside. For individuals with time-sensitive commitments such as work, medical appointments, or family obligations, such delays can have far-reaching consequences, impacting both personal and professional aspects of their lives. The lack of predictability and reliability in transportation services along the Dhaka-Chittagong highway exacerbates the challenges faced by passengers, contributing to their overall suffering.
The suffering experienced by passengers due to illegal stops extends beyond mere inconvenience and safety concerns; it also underscores broader issues of governance, enforcement, and accountability within the transportation sector. Despite the existence of regulations prohibiting such behaviour, the lax enforcement mechanisms and lenient penalties fail to deter bus drivers from engaging in risky practices. Corruption and impunity further exacerbate the problem, allowing offenders to evade accountability and perpetuate a cycle of negligence and disregard for the law.
Additionally, the socioeconomic implications of passengers' suffering cannot be overlooked. The Dhaka-Chittagong highway serves as a lifeline for countless individuals, including workers, students, traders, and tourists, whose livelihoods depend on reliable and efficient transportation. Any disruption or delay in travel not only affects their immediate well-being but also has ripple effects on economic productivity and social cohesion. The perpetuation of illegal stops exacerbates inequalities, disproportionately impacting vulnerable populations who rely heavily on public transportation for their daily needs.
Addressing the issue of illegal stops on the Dhaka-Chittagong highway requires a multifaceted approach that addresses both immediate concerns and underlying systemic challenges. Firstly, there is an urgent need for enhanced enforcement of existing traffic regulations, including stricter penalties for offenders and increased monitoring of bus operators' compliance with safety standards. This necessitates greater coordination between law enforcement agencies, transport authorities, and relevant stakeholders to ensure accountability and deterrence.
Furthermore, initiatives aimed at raising awareness among bus drivers and passengers about the risks and consequences of illegal stops are essential. Education and training programs can empower drivers with the knowledge and skills needed to prioritize safety and adhere to regulations, while also fostering a culture of responsibility and respect for traffic laws. Similarly, passengers should be encouraged to report instances of illegal stops and advocate for their rights to safe and reliable transportation.
In the long term, investments in infrastructure and technology can help alleviate the pressure on the Dhaka-Chittagong highway by expanding alternative transportation routes and improving road conditions. Moreover, the integration of digital platforms and real-time tracking systems can enhance the efficiency and transparency of public transportation services, minimizing delays and improving the overall passenger experience.
Ultimately, addressing the suffering caused by illegal stops on the Dhaka-Chittagong highway requires concerted efforts from all stakeholders, including government agencies, law enforcement authorities, transport operators, and civil society organizations. By prioritizing safety, accountability, and efficiency, we can create a transportation system that serves the needs of passengers while fostering sustainable development and progress for all.
