The Mayor of Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) endorsed four books on July 9, published by the World Resources Institute (WRI) to serve as references for creating a safe and sustainable Dhaka. The endorsement came after a capacity-building workshop called the “Collaborative Design Learning Workshop” organized by WRI under Bloomberg’s Initiative for Global Road Safety for engineers of DNCC.
DNCC joined Bloomberg’s Initiative for Global Road Safety in 2021 to enhance safety, inclusivity, and accessibility on its streets. As a program partner, WRI is committed to supporting DNCC by sharing knowledge and technical expertise.
Traditionally, streets primarily cater to high-speed vehicle traffic, often neglecting the needs of other road users and posing safety risks. Intersections are crucial areas for road safety, especially for pedestrians who are highly vulnerable. Proper intersection design is essential for an efficient and safer mobility system.
To improve understanding of intersections, WRI conducted the “Collaborative Design Learning Workshop,” introducing participants to the context, significance, and design process of intersections. The workshop also explored tools for testing temporary designs before permanent implementation. It included lectures and group activities to facilitate observation, analysis, and design processes.
The workshop commenced with welcoming remarks from Md. Abdul Wadud, the coordinator of the BIGRS initiative, followed by a speech by the chief guest, Chief Executive Officer of DNCC, Md Selim Reza, and a welcome address by chief engineer Brigadier General Muhammad Amirul Islam, PSC. The Chief Executive Officer inaugurated the workshop. WRI’s representatives presented on various topics, including the context of Dhaka, safe urban mobility, the role of intersections, and intersection design and testing. The engineers actively participated in discussions and contributed ideas for redesigning the ‘Abul Hotel Intersection, Malibag.’
At the workshop’s conclusion, participants received certificates from the BIGRS initiative coordinator, Md. Abdul Wadud, and Suganthi Narayanasamy, the Program Officer of Public Health Program-Road Safety at Vital Strategies. Subsequently, the team met with the Mayor, who discussed ensuring pedestrian safety, reducing road crashes, and the new initiative of promoting green practices throughout the year. The program concluded with the mayor’s endorsement of four books that focus on sustainable and safe cities, creating bicycle lanes, and establishing bus priority corridors.
Both partners, DNCC and WRI, are committed to implementing impactful changes in Dhaka North by designing safer streets and promoting sustainable urban development.
