VIPs move, commuters suffer

The commuters in Dhaka city suffer in innumerable ways. In most cases, they do not get a comfortable seat when they get on board a public bus. Then they are overcharged. And finally, they have to wait hours on the road to reach their destination due to frequent traffic signals and congestions. Their misery is further compounded by VIP movement, when the crawl comes to a complete standstill as law enforcers forcefully clear the roads for VIPs to move unobstructed.

We can understand that VIP movement protocols are important. But it is unfortunate that the city roads and even footpaths are closed long before the VIPs (very important persons) pass through the roads. In many instances, these movements happen unexpectedly. So, commuters are caught by surprise as policemen desperately charge the commuters and pedestrians to clear the roads. Even patient-carrying ambulances are not spared. This unexpected VIP movement could take away one's life or make delay for examinees to enter their examination halls. We urge the authorities concerned to do something so that these VIP movements do not disrupt our life.

Afroza Sheikh,

Dania, Dhaka,

[email protected]