Student Traffic Scheme Halted by Funding Gap

A part-time student traffic assistance scheme in the capital has been abruptly suspended, leaving more than 800 college and university students without income and raising fresh concerns about traffic management in Dhaka. The programme, operated by the Dhaka Metropolitan Police, was halted on 28 February due to a shortage of funds, officials confirmed.

Background and Purpose

The initiative was launched in December 2024 through a joint effort between the interim government and the Dhaka Metropolitan Police. It aimed to ease mounting pressure on traffic officers while creating flexible employment opportunities for students. Participants were deployed at some of the city’s busiest intersections, where they assisted in regulating vehicle flow, guiding pedestrians, and reducing congestion caused by informal and battery-powered transport.

At its peak, the scheme engaged more than 800 students, many of whom relied on the modest but regular income to support their education and living expenses. The sudden discontinuation has therefore had a dual impact on urban mobility and student livelihoods.

Immediate Impact on Students

Many participants have expressed frustration at the abrupt nature of the decision. Muhammad Mian, a student of Sonargaon University who had served as a traffic assistant for over a year, described the move as deeply unsettling. He noted that the role had provided a dependable source of income, and its sudden withdrawal has left him uncertain about how to manage his expenses.

Several students echoed similar concerns, arguing that prior notice of at least one month would have allowed them to seek alternative work. Without such notice, they now face financial strain and uncertainty.

Effects on Traffic Management

Local residents and business owners report a noticeable deterioration in traffic conditions since the scheme’s suspension. In high-density areas such as Tejgaon and Motijheel, student assistants had played a vital role in easing congestion, particularly near railway crossings and busy commercial zones.

A shopkeeper in Tejgaon observed that congestion has worsened in recent weeks, attributing the change to the absence of student assistants who previously helped disperse crowds and manage informal traffic flows.

Official Response

Officials from the Dhaka Metropolitan Police have acknowledged the value of the programme and indicated that efforts are under way to restore it. According to Additional Commissioner for Traffic Md Anisur Rahman, the suspension is purely financial in nature. He confirmed that a request for renewed funding has been submitted to the relevant ministry.

He further emphasised that the students’ contribution had significantly enhanced operational efficiency and public convenience, adding that reinstating the programme would serve the broader public interest.

Key Facts at a Glance

Looking Ahead

The suspension highlights broader challenges in sustaining public service initiatives that depend on limited or uncertain funding. For now, both the affected students and city residents await a resolution, hoping that the widely appreciated scheme will soon resume with adequate financial support.