It has become apparent that the traffic police are not performing their duties as effectively as before. Traffic rules are being flouted with impunity, while the police stand idly by, failing to manage the situation. A CNG driver mentioned that paying bribes to the police at stands, which used to be common practice, has ceased. He remarked, "MAMA, we don't have to pay the police anymore. Previously, it cost us 20 taka just to drop off passengers at Gabtoli."
This raises the question of whether the police have stopped enforcing traffic rules because they no longer receive bribes, or if there is another reason behind their inaction. It is possible that their reluctance stems from lingering fears after their unacceptable role in the Quota Reform Movement. In this new Bangladesh, where public awareness and anti-corruption sentiments are on the rise, it appears that respect for and fear of the men in uniform have diminished, exacerbating the situation further.
Al MahinShoikot
4th year student of Bachelor of Business Administration,
North South University
almahinshoikot@gmail.com