Khairul Alam ; DHAKA – It’s a quiet night at a city intersection. The traffic light glows red. Seeing no police officers around, a driver decides to zoom past—but there is no escaping the law anymore.
Before the sun rises, a notification of a traffic prosecution lands on the vehicle owner’s mobile phone.
Starting last Wednesday night, the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) and both city corporations have officially begun filing cases using Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology.
Currently, AI-powered CCTV cameras have been installed at 25 key intersections in the capital, including Shahbagh, Bijoy Sarani, Kawran Bazar, and Banglamotor.
How the AI System Works
The “AI-Based Road Transport Act Violation Detection System” automatically identifies license plates and records violations such as:
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Disobeying red lights and traffic signals.
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Driving motorcycles on sidewalks.
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Illegal parking in restricted zones.
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Exceeding speed limits on the Elevated Expressway.
Once a violation is detected, the system generates a case automatically through the ‘e-Traffic Prosecution Software.’ Physical copies of the summons are delivered to the owner’s home within a few days. Fines for these offenses typically range from 5,000 to 10,000 BDT.
Real-Life Impact
The shift to digital enforcement is already catching motorists off guard. Ashiqur Rahman, a private sector employee, shared his experience: “I parked my bike on the roadside to shop.
I heard the police filmed it but didn’t think much of it. A few days later, a 5,000 BDT fine notice arrived at my house.”
Strict Legal Action
Traffic officials clarified that they are no longer engaging in verbal arguments with drivers on the road. Instead, they use mobile videos and AI footage to process fines.
If a violator fails to pay the fine within the stipulated time, they face arrest warrants and further legal consequences under the Road Transport Act, 2018 and 2019.
Quick Summary Table for Readers
| Feature | Details |
| Technology | AI-Based Road Transport Act Violation Detection System |
| Locations | 25 major intersections (Shahbagh, Bijoy Sarani, etc.) |
| Fine Range | 5,000 BDT to 10,000 BDT |
| Key Offenses | Signal jumping, speeding, sidewalk driving, illegal parking |
| Consequences | Automatic case filing, home delivery of notices, arrest warrants for non-payment |