Why AI cameras cannot fix Dhaka's traffic chaos on their own
Experts say AI cameras alone are not enough to bring discipline on the roads and must be backed by tighter enforcement against illegal vehicles, improved registration systems, lane discipline and consistent field-level monitoring.
Artificial intelligence is only as effective as the system it operates in, and Dhaka's roads expose that limit sharply.
Buet's Prof Md Hadiuzzaman recently told The Business Standard that AI-run cameras can only do their job effectively if basic vehicle discipline is in place first.
He said unregulated autorickshaws and small vehicles must be brought under a defined system; otherwise, AI-based traffic management will struggle to deliver results.
The expert stated that AI systems depend on structured data from registered vehicles, adding that the presence of unregulated traffic "throws a wrench in the system" by weakening enforcement.
He stressed the need for a classification-based regulatory framework, noting that cameras alone cannot restore order without stronger structural control.
Experts say AI cameras alone are not enough to bring discipline on the roads and must be backed by tighter enforcement against illegal vehicles, improved registration systems, lane discipline and consistent field-level monitoring.
DMP Additional Commissioner (Traffic) Md Anisur Rahman told TBS that around 500-600 cases were recorded in the first week of AI camera operations.
He said a plan is underway to bring unlicensed vehicles, especially rickshaws, under control, mentioning that a policy is being prepared.
Legal enforcement will improve once the policy framework is finalised, given current challenges in identifying such vehicles, the police officer said.
