Crossing Sat Masjid Road riskier these days

Ever since the new divider was built along Sat Masajid Road at Dhanmondi area of the capital and many of the crossing paths were blocked on Sat Masjid Road a few months ago, it has become riskier for pedestrians to cross the road. Accidents are occurring almost every now and then, leaving people injured.

Already, Dhaka South City Corporation cut trees on Sat Masjid Road defying the outcry of conscious citizens. People in the area now have to suffer while crossing the road. This is adding salt to the injury.

There are two foot over-bridges-one at Dhanmondi 15 bus stand area, another at the Shankar area, but both are so dirty that people are reluctant to use those. Two foot over-bridges are not sufficient when it comes to the length of the Sat Masjid Road which connects Dhaka City College with Mohammadpur bus stand.

The elderly and sick cannot use foot bridges. If there were elevators or escalators, it would be of help for them. In fact, wherever there is a foot over-bridge, there should be elevators or lifts for the elderly people so that they can use the bridges. Maintaining elevators is a challenging task but if enough care is taken, it is not impossible.

When people cross Sat Masjid Road, they face fast moving vehicles. After the divider has been built, it is common to see vehicles moving faster.

There should be traffic police to facilitate people's crossing this road, just like other roads in the capital. If the traffic police are posted at zebra crossings, risk-free crossing may be possible. Dhanmondi, a busy area with shopping malls, eateries, educational institutions and hospitals, could not deserve less.

M A Islam

Dhanmondi, Dhaka

asheqbd@gmail.com