Given the road rush during peak hours, and the mad mayhem that grips the streets of Dhaka even during what was supposed to be the off-time, traffic is something we’re all a little too familiar with. We’re no stranger to the chaotic gridlocks that render us helpless for hours, but we’re still somehow ignorant towards the rules set in place to prevent such inconveniences, and even more so when it comes to the tragic accidents that we indifferently inherit in the process. The loss of lives and livelihood are something that we tend to shrug off, as acknowledging that would require us to admit to violating traffic laws to begin with. And sadly, some of the most common law-breakers and victims are one in the same – oblivious young students.

In order to raise awareness on the traffic rules and regulations, amongst the students, the AIUB Social Welfare Club, ‘Shomoy’ organized a seminar on the 14^th of March 2016. Together with the Dhaka Metropolitan Police [DMP], the program campaigned several cases of traffic violations that not only broke the law, but even cost many lives. The Deputy Police Commissioner of the Dhaka North Zone [Gulshan], Mr. Probir Kumar Roy, and the Senior Assistant Police Commissioner, Ms. Nusrat Jahan Mukta, both discussed the repercussion of such situations, highlighted and elaborated the basic traffic rules and regulations.

The event was opened by the Pro-Vice Chancellor, Dr. Charles C. Villanueva, and graced by the presence of the Registrar, Prof. M. A. Quaiyum, and the Vice President (Academics), Prof. Dr. Tafazzal Hossain. Many faculty members were also present, who, along with the students attending the program, engaged in the open dialogue about ways in which the current traffic scenario can be improved realistically. The seminar came to a close with everyone involved contemplating on how their contributions in this matter can further this initiative for the better in the days to come, promising to do their part as a responsible member of the society.

AIUB is proud of ‘Shomoy’ and its passionate pursuit for the greater good, that even today there’s integrity amongst the youth who fight such noble causes. AIUB hopes that they continue to work towards social responsibility and welfare in the days to come.