Students Take Control of Traffic in Bangladesh
As Bangladesh struggles to recover from weeks of protests that led to the resignation of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wajid, the capital Dhaka is short on police. Two students were killed in a bus crash in 2018, sparking massive protests. At the time, students began conducting traffic checks in an attempt to send a message to the government that they were “better” at policing and maintaining order on the streets than the police.
Six years after the incidents, students have taken to the streets of Dhaka again to prevent disruptions caused by insufficient police presence. This time, they are directing traffic and trying to stop businesses from increasing prices. International human rights groups and the United Nations have condemned the use of live ammunition and air guns by police to suppress anti-government protests during former Prime Minister Hasina’s 15-year government.
After Hasina resigned and left the country on August 5, more than 30 police stations were set on fire, killing 12 police officers. According to information obtained by AA correspondent from police sources, some police stations that were closed during the protests after the establishment of the interim government in Bangladesh have resumed operations. However, only 10 percent of the police force, which has 200,000 officers, have returned to duty since the establishment of the interim government.
Traffic Management of Students
Students who control traffic signs in Dhaka are opening special lanes for ambulances and encouraging motorcyclists to wear helmets to increase traffic safety. They are also asking bus drivers to drive more controlled and to pay attention to stops. University student Ahnaf Matin, who controls traffic, said he has been watching videos on YouTube about traffic management. “There are no traffic police around and I am here because the roads have become chaotic,” he said.
“The police force needs to be completely overhauled,” said Rezaye Rabbi Zayed, one of the coordinators of the student protests. “All senior officials appointed by Hasina’s fascist regime must be dismissed. There must also be a large-scale purge of middle-level officials. Even the police uniforms, which have become symbols of oppression, must be changed.” Zayed said they will continue to act like police until these changes are made.
Mahin Ahmed, who works for an NGO in Dhaka, said that the students who conducted the traffic checks did a good job despite their inexperience. Ahmed said that there had been traffic disruptions at a junction in Moghbazar that the students had checked, due to the traffic density, but the students had solved the problem. “They are handling it like professionals,” he said.
A group of students began to roam the streets with sticks to maintain order after reports of theft spread on social media in Dhaka. Although some police stations have reopened, the number of police officers present is insufficient due to looting and fires during the protests. Students are handling over “suspects” they catch to the army out of fear for their safety.
Mahnur Aslam, one of the students, said they were checking to make sure businesses did not increase prices excessively on essential products. In Karwan, the capital’s largest market, students were checking prices by pretending to be customers and warning business owners to price them fairly.
Sharmeen Murshid, an advisor to the interim government in Bangladesh, said the students leading the protests were determined to rebuild the country. “Our new leadership fully supports the students’ initiative and is exploring ways to integrate their efforts. Our top priority is for official law enforcement agencies to return to their duties. This is essential and non-negotiable,” Murshid said.
