The Dhaka Traffic Relief Committee, a private organization, unveiled 11 proposals aimed at reducing traffic congestion in the capital. The proposals were presented by committee president Ishaq Dulal at a press conference held at the National Press Club on Sunday. Key recommendations include canal restoration for water transport, construction of tram and ring roads, relocation of major bus terminals, and improved traffic management training. The committee also suggested launching city transport under the two city corporations, freeing sidewalks from illegal occupation, and halting gas supply to private vehicles to redirect it toward industrial production.

Citing a United Nations Development Programme report, Dulal warned that Bangladesh’s population could reach 230–250 million by 2050, with most growth occurring in urban areas, intensifying congestion if no action is taken. He noted that Dhaka’s average vehicle speed has dropped from 21 km/h in 2007–2008 to between 4.5 and 7 km/h. A CPD survey found that passengers lose 46 minutes to traffic every two hours, costing the economy an estimated 500 billion taka annually.

The committee urged the government to consider these proposals, some of which are already under partial implementation.