Swapan Kumar Singh :

Drivers across the capital are beginning to show greater discipline on the roads after the installation of AI-powered surveillance cameras by Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) at several major intersections.

At busy junctions such as Shahbagh, Banglamotor, Karwan Bazar, Bijoy Sarani and the Airport Road corridor, motorists are now more likely to stop before zebra crossings as traffic lights turn red — a scene many commuters say was rare even a few weeks ago.

The newly introduced smart camera system is automatically detecting multiple traffic violations, including signal jumping, lane violations, driving on the wrong side, illegal parking and unauthorised entry into restricted lanes.

A visible change in driver behaviour has already emerged along Kazi Nazrul Islam Avenue, particularly between the InterContinental intersection and Jahangir Gate, where 25 AI-enabled cameras have been installed.
Motorcyclists, private car drivers and CNG-run auto-rickshaw operators were seen slowing down near monitored zones, while many avoided reckless lane changes or crossing stop lines during red signals.

Traffic officials believe the growing compliance is largely driven by the fear of digital evidence and automatic prosecution notices being sent directly to vehicle owners.
According to DMP sources, more than 300 traffic cases were filed during the first week of the system’s operation. Officials expect the number to rise significantly once the technology is expanded across more parts of the city.

The surveillance network was introduced earlier this month as part of a broader effort to modernise traffic management and reduce road chaos in the capital.

Despite the improvements, traffic violations have not disappeared entirely. Instances of wrong-way driving, signal violations and aggressive lane-cutting are still being reported on several roads. Pedestrians, too, continue to cross streets outside designated areas instead of using zebra crossings or footbridges.

Many regular commuters, however, say the difference is already noticeable.
At Banglamotor intersection, one motorcyclist said drivers are now thinking twice before breaking rules because they know the cameras are constantly monitoring traffic movement.

A pedestrian at Karwan Bazar also observed that vehicles are stopping more frequently at crossings, making road crossing comparatively safer than before.

DMP Acting Commissioner Md Sarwar recently said the AI-based monitoring system would be expanded to most key points across Dhaka within the next six months, aiming to establish a more technology-driven and accountable traffic management system in the capital.