Can we ever have functional roads?

The road infrastructure across the country and in particular in the capital has seen unprecedented development. But what has been perennially ignored is the aspect of road safety and imposition of the very basics of the traffic rules followed in every nation -- developed or not-so-developed.
Why is it that we cannot impose the very basics of traffic rules? Everyone knows these basics yet we are violating these basics at every kilometre of our road space. This blatant flouting of rules was not there, say, a few decades back. So when did disregard and violation become the norm?
We have agencies responsible for imposition of the traffic rules. But if we question them, what will be the answers for their failure? Are they simply overwhelmed due to the sheer magnitude of the widespread violations? But such a perilous national trend surely did not developed overnight. Do they have a plan to present us with roads and highways where people will be abiding by the rules? If so, in how many years from now, even if they plan to achieve it in phases?
Traffic management is one prime responsibility of our police personnel. They have well trained and experienced people for this job. If we ask why this job is not being performed to meet a minimum acceptable standard, we shall have multiple factors contributing to their nonperformance. Lack of resources, overcrowding of our roads beyond capacity and, above everything, lack of awareness and noncooperation  from the public are some obvious reasons.
At the national level we claim to have already become a role model of development. Why can’t we then urge our police department to select a segment of our roads and highways and go for strict application of traffic rules in that particular selected area so as to become a model for the rest of the country?
Let me suggest an area which our police department could consider for this exercise.
As you go out of Dhaka towards Comilla, you cross the turning near Bongo Bazar right in front of the government employees’ hospital. On your left and right there will be some prominent installations such as Asiatic society, Omor Ekushey Hall of DU, Sheikh Hasina Burn Unit and Specialized Hospital as you approach and get on to the Mayor Hanif Flyover.
This 500 metre stretch of the road remains highly chaotic right in front of Babupura Police outpost. On this narrow strip, there are a lot of restaurants and shops. You will find all kinds of activities such as dismantling packing material, stacking of wooden crates, and loading and unloading of commodities on the busy road or footpath. Posting one or two police personnel can get rid of this hassle, thus making entry and exit to Dhaka easy at an important gateway.
Take buses which stop for taking in passengers or letting them out, which not only obstructs traffic but is extremely dangerous, especially on flyovers. Can our traffic police not impose rules and not allow these random stops at such spots?
This portion of road has been served with U-loops which are very well-planned to reduce chaos and avoid accidents. But alas, the whole idea is defeated as you will find vehicles coming from the wrong direction, increasing chances of collision and accidents. Why can the traffic police not stop this? A few constables on motorbikes should be good enough to intercept the defaulters.
As you cross the Kachpur Bridge there is an important bifurcation leading towards Sylhet. However, vehicles are stopped right on the bridge to let passengers in and out. Without police intervention, how can we ever get rid of such dangerous callousness on our highways?
My intention with the details above was to show that it is not impossible to stop the nuisance. It all starts with the will to start doing their job. I think because of inactivity, the police have also lost interest and have become complicit, thinking this is the way things will run.
I urge the police authorities to take this challenge and make at least this portion of road a model for the rest of the country. They can select such small portions, regulate traffic, and thereby make it habitual for vehicles to follow rules. This is the only way to go ahead.
No AI will work any wonder, it has to be boots on the ground. Instead of observing traffic week throughout the country, why not enforce traffic rules instead. Surely that is what the people want and need.
Brigadier General Qazi Abidus Samad, ndc, psc (retd) is a freelance contributor.