Everyday nearly 3 crore and 49 lakh trips take place in Dhaka. Among them 17.72% trips are conducted by walking and 7.22% trips are conducted by private cars. Even then private cars are getting privilege in the planning process. As a result the congestion, pollution and accidents are increasing. On the other hand, pedestrians are facing a lot of problem while walking. A research in six areas of Dhaka including Mirpur, Uttara, Gazipur and Old Dhaka shows that there are no footpaths in 44% area. As a result of prioritizing cars in urban planning Dhaka city has become the city of traffic congestion. On 29^th March 2016, speakers mentioned the above view at a view exchange meeting on ‘Actions to ensure safe and convenient walking environment’.

Key note speaker of the view exchange meeting was Atikur Rahman, Project Officer, Work for a Better Bangladesh Trust, said that, the main aim of transportation is to move people and goods from one place to another, not the vehicles. But we have made our city unsafe by prioritizing the cars. Besides, persons with disabilities are also over looked in the planning. He also said that, after survey in six areas it has been found out that 82% of the existing footpaths are in a bad condition. And 79% people find the speed of the vehicle dangerous. To ensure a safe and convenient walking environment for pedestrian it is important to focus on footpaths, to make the footpaths obstacle free and ensure all amenities.

The program was moderated by Naima Akter, Assistant Advocacy Officer, Work for a Better Bangladesh Trust. Speakers of the program were Nikhil Chandra Bhadra, Senior Reporter, Kaler Kantho; Gaous Pearee, Director, Work for a Better Bangladesh Trust; Ratan Balo, Senior Reporter, Banglamail24.com; Mizanur Rahman, Manabkantha; Raju Hamid, Nagarik Television; Shahjahan Molla, Banglanews24.com; GM Mujibur, Banglanews24.com; Khademul Islam, Shakila Ruma, Newsgardenbd.com; Abu Khalod, Banglanews24.com; Masum Billah, bdnews24.com; Khorshed Alam Rinku, Sakaler Khabar and many more.