Dhaka Metropolitan Police has rolled out a modern AI‑powered traffic management system to restore order on the capital’s chaotic roads but the initiative is already facing a serious obstacle as auto‑rickshaws continue to flout traffic laws with near impunity.
Advanced AI cameras have been installed at major intersections and busy corridors to automatically detect violations such as running red lights, crossing stop lines, driving against traffic, blocking zebra crossings, riding without helmets, failing to wear seatbelts and illegal parking. The system has successfully pushed buses, trucks, private cars and motorcycles toward greater compliance, with many drivers now cautious of receiving AI‑generated digital cases.
But auto‑rickshaws remain the glaring exception. Field visits across the city show that while most vehicles are adjusting their behaviour, auto‑rickshaws continue to drive recklessly ignoring signals, speeding, occupying intersections and frequently travelling on the wrong side of the road. Their persistent violations have raised doubts about whether the costly AI system can deliver meaningful discipline without addressing this sector.
Officials say the core problem is structural: many auto‑rickshaws lack digital number plates or proper registration, making them invisible to AI cameras. Without identifiable plates, the system cannot issue automated cases, allowing these vehicles to operate outside the enforcement net.
Wrong‑way auto‑rickshaw movement was observed on major routes including 300 Feet Road, Kuril‑Badda Road, Agargaon, Mirpur, Pallabi, Gulistan and Moghbazar. In several instances, three‑wheelers were seen speeding above 30 km/h, significantly increasing accident risks. One near‑collision in Notun Bazar last Sunday night narrowly avoided tragedy when a motorcyclist braked just in time to avoid a head‑on crash with a speeding, wrong‑way auto‑rickshaw.
Auto‑rickshaws also continue to clog intersections, worsening congestion in already gridlocked areas.
According to DMP sources, the AI‑based monitoring system began operating on May 7. In its first week, more than 300 digital cases were automatically generated. Cameras at Shahbagh, Banglamotor, Karwan Bazar, Bijoy Sarani, the InterContinental intersection and Airport Road capture number plates and collect photo and video evidence before issuing digital notices directly to vehicle owners’ phones. Many drivers have since corrected habitual violations after receiving warnings.
However, the inability to regulate auto‑rickshaws remains a major concern. DMP Additional Commissioner (Traffic) Anisur Rahman said vehicles without number plates cannot be identified by AI systems, but efforts are underway to bring all vehicles under legal accountability. He added that stronger action against battery‑powered rickshaws is expected after Eid.
Experts warn that technology alone cannot fix Dhaka’s traffic disorder. Without effective regulation of auto‑rickshaws widely considered one of the most unruly vehicle groups even the most advanced AI systems may fall short of restoring discipline on the city’s roads.
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