World Car-Free Day: Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority calls for curbing car use for healthier city
Speakers at the human chain cited a Buet study that found traffic congestion costs Dhaka an estimated $3-$5 billion annually.
Marking World Car-Free Day 2025, the Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority today (21 September) called for limiting car use to protect society, public health and the environment, and to promote sustainable transport.
At a human chain organised near the parliament complex by the DTCA in collaboration with other partners, the organisers highlighted several recommendations, including building and maintaining wide, safe footpaths; prioritising walking, cycling and public transport in masterplan implementation; and imposing higher registration taxes, annual fees and limiting parking for new cars.
The other suggestions were restricting car access in designated areas; strict action against illegal parking; safe cycle lanes on major roads, cycle parking hubs and bike-sharing systems; promoting cycling in schools and colleges; implementing bus route rationalisation and Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) projects; ensuring women-, children- and disability-friendly transport; enhancing road safety with speed limits, streetlights and CCTV; and stricter enforcement of traffic laws and raising public awareness.
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Speakers at the gathering cited a Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (Buet) study that found traffic congestion costs Dhaka an estimated $3-$5 billion annually.
They added that transport-related carbon emissions are now a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in the city, while air pollution poses a risk of about 80,000 premature deaths each year.
Hafizur Rahman Moyna, founding president of the rights protection platform Nagorik Odhikar Songrokkhon Forum, said authorities have taken no effective steps despite longstanding demands for measures to discourage privately owned cars.
In developed countries, public transport is the norm, while cars are used only for family needs, he added. "Improving public transport is urgent so people can shift away from private vehicles."
DTCA Joint Secretary and Additional Executive Director Abdul Latif Khan, among others, were present at the event.
Every year on or around 22 September, cities across the globe celebrate World Car-Free Day, encouraging motorists to give up their cars for a day.
These events highlight the numerous benefits of going car-free to citizens, including reduced air pollution and the promotion of walking and cycling in a safer environment.
