Billboards in Dhaka city

Dhaka has become a city of haphazard billboards, a hazard for its dwellers. The billboards are dangerous as a storm may dislodge these causing serious accidents.

I remember, a few years ago, when I was passing by Gulshan circle 1 during a strong storm, I found a billboard getting dislodged killing two passers-by and badly damaging a private car.

Many billboards are placed in awkward places like pavements blocking movement of pedestrians. A guideline must be formulated about erecting of billboards keeping in mind the beauty of Dhaka city and also the safety of the commuters.

We must prepare Dhaka to be a city of the 21st century. A little planning can change Dhaka for the better.

Many of the billboards have been erected without permission from the authority and approved billboards are small in percentage. I agree that billboards play an important role in informing consumers about their services and products but the whole sector must be regularised.

Mohammad Sohel Hara

Shahjadpur, Dhaka

sohelhara@hotmail.com