There is a peoples’ perception that cities mean a lot of cars. What if the cities of 21^st century are carfree with a convenient public transit? People will have access to public transit within walking distance of 5 minutes. There will be enough open and public space for socialization. Children will be able to play safely on the roads. It is not a dream. Many cities of Western Europe (Italy, Belgium, Denmark, Netherlands, Spain, Portugal, Spain and Switzerland) has been made car free or there is a control upon car usage. In many cities of Bangladesh we can see less dependence on cars. In Dhaka city only 5% trips are conducted by cars. So a convenient public transit is necessary to stop increase in the number. More usage of cars results into traffic congestion, accident, health risk and other social crisis.

On 13 August 2015, 6:30pm, a documentary “Recovering from Disruption” directed by Joel Crawford was launched at Dhanmondi Chhayanot Cultuaral Center. The launching program was jointly organized by Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon (BAPA), Bangladesh Institute of Planners (B.I.P), Poribesh Bachao Andolon (POBA) and Work for a Better Bangladesh Trust.

Saifuddin Ahmed, Executive Director, Work for a Better Bangladesh Trust, chaired the small discussion meeting. Debra Efroymson, Regional Director, HealthBridge, Canada; Abu Naser Khan, Chairman, Poribesh Bachao Andolon; Mihir Biswas, Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon (BAPA); Khondoker M Ansar Hossain, Executive Member, B.I.P were present as special guest. The program was moderated by Maruf Hossain, National Advocacy Officer, WBB Trust.

Guests said that, motorized vehicles are causing more carbon emission. As a result we are facing the consequence of climate change. Bangladesh will be one of the worst victims of climate change. So we need to work together to fight the problem. It is our dream to have a car free city. If we work with a proper plan we’ll succeed in getting it. We must learn from the western counties. There is a link between transport and health. So we must focus on walking and cycling.

They also said, we will have to create car free zones. It is not possible to ban cars. But the present situation is also not expected. So we must develop public transit and control usage of cars. In Bangladesh we are observing massive urbanization with less or no planning. As a result cities are losing livability. It is important to adopt an environment friendly planning.