Only 5 % trips of Dhaka city are conducted by private cars but they occupy 70% of the road. Even then more than 100 cars are being registered in Dhaka city every day. Private cars are getting more or less free parking facility, loan facility. Fly over, elevated express way and other car friendly plans are being taken in Dhaka City. On contrary, though 95% trips are done by bus, rail, walking and cycling, they are being deprived. That is why many people are shifting their modes to car. But if a proper public transit with facilities of walking and cycling can be ensured then the dependence upon cars will be lessen. A proper transportation system should be built with a proper plan by controlling the number of cars. A program was organized in front of National Museum to observe World Car Free Day on 21 September 2015, 10 am. Various environmentalist organizations and educational institutions jointly organized the program where there was ludu, chess, carom board, football, musical chair, skipping, cycling, singing, hula hoop and other events.

Abu Naser Khan, chairman, Poribesh Bachao Andolon (POBA) said that, we talk about making Dhaka more livable but our plans are doing the opposite. We need to control the number of cars to reduce traffic jam. We must continue working in that issue. We should include youth activists with our work.

Maruf Hossain, Program Manager, LC, NCD, Work for a Better Bangladesh Trust, said that, one bus takes space of 2 private cars. Most of the private cars carry one or no passenger. But a bus carries about 200 passengers throughout the trip. Private cars take 16 sq. ft. space for parking and they are on parking 90% time of the day. National Integrated Multi Modal Transportation Policy has discouraged private cars on clause 4.8.1. It is high time to take necessary decision according to policy. 

Mohidul Islam Khan, former general secretary, Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon (BAPA) said that, urban planning is for people but in Bangladesh cars are being prioritized instead of people. Though private cars are the root cause of jam, even then we are not taking any initiatives. A developed public transit should be ensured.    

Ibnul Sayeed Rana, Chairman, Nirapad Development Foundation, said that, travelling in Dhaka is a night mare. Public transit facilities have been decreased in the name of reducing traffic congestion. It has increased the number of private cars and increased the problem. The increased number of private cars is creating problems for pedestrians. If we cannot control the number of cars then it will not be possible to make Dhaka city more livable.

The program was chaired by Gaous Pearee, Director, Work for a Better Bangladesh Trust and moderated by Ziaur Rahman, Senior Project Officer, WBB Trust. Tamim Ahmed, Organizing Secretary, International Tourism Students Confederation; Akib Dipu, Protyasha Anti Drug Club; Md Aminul Islam Tubbus, Chairman, Cycle Lane Bastobayon Porishod, Shajabin Kabir, Urbanist, Evantguard; Shah Mobarak, Chairman, Youth Development Society; Naznin Kabir, Deputy Program Manager, WBB Trust; and Syeda Anonna Rahman, Program Manager, HR,NCD, WBB Trust, Monir Hossain Nishat, Mastul Foundation and many more were present in the program.