Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has directed authorities to relocate Karwan Bazar’s kitchen market to Gabtoli, in a bid to ease traffic congestion in the capital. The decision came during a high-level meeting at the PMO reviewing Dhaka’s transport management, bus terminals, parking facilities, and traffic modernisation.

Key Directives

• Market Relocation: Karwan Bazar kitchen market will be shifted to Gabtoli to reduce gridlock in central Dhaka.
• Electronic Toll Collection: An ETC system will be introduced at toll plazas on expressways and flyovers within four months, supported by a mobile app.
• Parking Solutions: Authorities will explore parking options near the Secretariat, including Osmani Memorial Auditorium.
• BUET Review: BUET has been asked to update its study on congestion around the Jatrabari-Gulistan Flyover within 15 days.
• Bus Terminal Shift: Fulbaria Bus Terminal will be relocated to Keraniganj, with a temporary terminal under the Jhilmil project to be built within four months. Gabtoli terminal will also be expanded.
• Auto-rickshaw Policy: A separate policy will regulate auto-rickshaw movement, while unauthorised double-decker sleeper buses will face action.

Coordination Emphasised

The prime minister stressed stronger coordination among city corporations, traffic police, and ministries to ensure timely implementation.

Senior ministers and officials, including Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, Road Transport and Bridges Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam, and Dhaka South City Corporation Administrator Abdus Salam, attended the meeting.