DHAKA: Police will go tough for easing traffic jams in the capital during the holy month of Ramadan and a campaign against transgressors of rules will begin on August 8 for indefinite period.

During the drive, the law enforcers will take stringent legal action against the violators of traffic rules, Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Shahidul Huq warned Friday.

Addressing a press conference at the police headquarters, he said, “Order has been issued to take legal action against the violators of rules.”

He said the lawbreakers will be punished with a fine of minimum Tk 1000 and the impounding driving license for three months. “Even the violators could be arrested,” the city police boss said.    

He requested all to go by the book in driving vehicles and practice the culture of complying with rules.

Shahidul Huq said every member of the law-enforcing agency will work during the holy month of Ramadan to ease the traffic jam so that people fasting could take Iftar with their family members on return home in time.

They would also work for improving the law-and-order situation. He said special security measures will be beefed up in the areas which are more prone to criminal activities.

He said law enforcers will act so that hijacking and other similar criminal activities cannot increase during the month of fasting and festivals.

The DMP commissioner suggested the shop owners of those markets and shopping centers where traffic jams are more during the month of Ramadan to appoint more community police to streamline the vehicles.

Replying to query, Shahidul Huq said there is no law for on-mechanized transport and the law is under process for those vehicles.

He said 13 police teams will work in different parts of the capital. Each team comprises assistant commissioner of police, sergeant, constable and representatives of owners and workers of vehicles. The deputy commissioners will oversee the overall responsibilities.

Moreover, civil teams and petrol teams will discharge responsibilities along with police in the much-orchestrated operation clean traffic to control the perennial mess on the streets.

The press conference was attended by senior officials of DMP, representatives of transport owners and leaders of workers.

BDST/1355 HRS/AUGUST 6, 2010