Dhaka to Install 1,000 Plug-and-Play Cameras to Strengthen Traffic Enforcement

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has announced plans to install around 1,000 plug-and-play traffic cameras across the capital in an effort to improve road discipline, expand traffic monitoring and strengthen enforcement against traffic violations.

The initiative was announced on Tuesday by Additional Commissioner of Traffic Md Anisur Rahman while inspecting a new traffic management project at Mohammadpur Bus Stand.

According to the DMP, installation has already begun along the 300 Feet Road, also known as the 36 July Expressway, where the first batch of the new cameras is being deployed.

Officials said the plug-and-play cameras were selected because they are more cost-effective than AI-powered surveillance systems, allowing authorities to cover a larger number of locations within existing budget constraints. The devices will record traffic footage on onboard memory cards, enabling officers to review violations later and issue legal action against offenders.

The traffic department plans to gradually expand the network to key intersections and major roads throughout Dhaka as part of a broader effort to modernise traffic monitoring.


Authorities said AI-powered cameras currently remain operational at 16 locations across the capital, with a total of 37 cameras actively monitoring traffic conditions and identifying violations.

Alongside the camera expansion, DMP is continuing to upgrade the city's traffic signal system. Officials said 13 semi-automatic traffic signals are currently in operation, although adverse weather, technical faults and the complexity of managing both motorised and non-motorised vehicles sometimes require the systems to be temporarily switched off.

Preparations are also underway to activate another 50 traffic signals under the Dhaka North City Corporation once the necessary infrastructure is completed.

During the briefing, traffic officials also highlighted the growing problem of noise pollution caused by unnecessary use of sirens, hydraulic horns and illegal lighting systems on vehicles.

Additional Commissioner Anisur Rahman said excessive horn use, including by vehicles facing no congestion, has become a serious public health concern, particularly for traffic police who are exposed to high noise levels for long periods. He warned that prolonged exposure can lead to hearing loss, stress, headaches and other health complications.

He called on motorists to comply with traffic regulations and urged greater public awareness to help create a safer and more liveable city.

Separately, DMP has introduced a new traffic management plan at Mohammadpur Bus Stand to ease chronic congestion in one of the capital's busiest intersections.

As part of the changes, a road divider has been removed and the number of traffic signal phases has been reduced from three to two. Vehicles approaching from western Dhanmondi will no longer be allowed to turn right at the intersection and will instead use a designated U-turn near Mayur Villa before entering the Asad Gate area.

Traffic officials believe the redesigned intersection will reduce waiting times, improve traffic flow and make better use of the limited road capacity in the area.

Police said the combined measures including expanded camera surveillance, upgraded traffic signals and revised road layouts are intended to improve road safety, reduce congestion and promote greater compliance with traffic laws across Dhaka.