The Global Road Safety Partnership (GRSP) organized a comprehensive two-day training workshop for Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) with the theme “Speed as a Risk Factor.” Held at the InterContinental Dhaka, the workshop aimed to strengthen traffic law enforcement and promote road safety. A total of 60 police officers from the DMP, including the Assistant Superintendent of Police, Traffic Inspectors, and Sergeants, participated in two batches. The workshop was part of the Bloomberg Philanthropies Initiative for Global Road Safety, a global network dedicated to reducing road traffic crashes, deaths, and injuries.
The workshop commenced with an inaugural session on Tuesday, July 11, 2023. The event was inaugurated by Khandker Golam Faruq BPM (Bar), PPM, the Honorable Police Commissioner of the DMP, who served as the Chief Guest. Md Munibur Rahman, Additional Police Commissioner (Traffic), and SM Mehedi Hasan, Joint Police Commissioner (Traffic South), attended the workshop as special guests. Distinguished attendees included Russell Nyman, Senior Road Policing Advisor of the Global Road Safety Partnership, Suganthi Saravanan of Vital Strategies, and Md Abdul Wadud, Initiative Coordinator, along with other key personnel involved in the Bloomberg Philanthropies Initiative for Global Road Safety.
Addressing the participants, Chief Guest Khandker Golam Faruq BPM (Bar), PPM, emphasized the paramount importance of road safety in society. He acknowledged the devastating consequences of traffic accidents and expressed the commitment of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) to ensuring the safety and well-being of citizens. The Chief Guest emphasized the crucial role of effective traffic law enforcement in creating a secure and livable city. He highlighted the shared vision of safer roads, reduced fatalities, and minimized injuries, stating that the training workshop provided an opportunity to exchange knowledge and learn from successful international and national road policing strategies. Furthermore, he recognized the expertise and global contributions of GRSP and BIGRS in enhancing the capabilities of law enforcement officials.
Russell Nyman, Senior Road Policing Advisor of the Global Road Safety Partnership, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent, explained that the primary objective of the workshop was to facilitate the exchange of existing enforcement practices within a ‘Safe System’ model. The workshop aimed to stimulate discussions on the challenges and opportunities of enforcing traffic laws more effectively, drawing on international and national road policing strategies that have led to significant reductions in road deaths and associated trauma. Key topics covered during the workshop included current road safety trends, the role of enforcement in a ‘Safe System,’ the importance of speed reduction, speed enforcement technology, and tactics. By equipping police officials with these insights, the training aimed to contribute to the reduction of road traffic deaths and injuries.
This training workshop marked a significant step in strengthening traffic law enforcement and improving road safety in Dhaka. Through knowledge sharing and collaboration among police officials, the workshop aimed to create a safer road environment for all residents. The GRSP expressed gratitude to all participants, guests, and speakers for their unwavering commitment to this crucial cause.
