‘We live a very inhumane life. Sometimes I feel like nothing but a machine.’
Sirajul Islam Rubel
Thursday April 25, 2024 08:34 AM Last Updated: Thursday April 25, 2024 09:19 AM
It was 11 am on the clock. While the residents of the capital are restless in the scorching sun, Mohammad Shamim is standing at Shahbagh intersection and controlling the traffic.
There was hot air on the streets during the intense heat wave. Many vehicles were moving here and there. He was controlling the traffic amidst the dust and blaring car horns.
Latest news on The Daily Star Bangla Google News Channel.
Shamim was not negligent in fulfilling his duties even though it was difficult. The pressure of the car is so much that if you divert your attention a little, the traffic jam is created on the road.
His flesh-and-blood life runs on like a machine.
He had to stand on the road for eight hours from 6 am to 2 pm to control the traffic. A large umbrella over the head is the only hope in this unsettled heat. Shamim has to fulfill his duties in any situation, sun or rain.
Not only Mohammed Shamim, but almost everyone who works in traffic control like him, the reality of daily life is the same.
Mohammad Rustam Ali (52) has been working in the police for the past 32 years. Talked to him while on duty in front of Shishumela in Shyamoli. He told The Daily Star, ‘There is no protection from the intense sun even with an umbrella. Umbrellas can prevent rain, but not heat. The body no longer tolerates. I am constantly drenched in sweat. Cold, headache starts. Loose motion happened two days ago.’
‘It is very difficult to take responsibility in this heat. The family has repeatedly requested me to save myself and do my duty. The boys and girls are very worried about me’, he said.
This reporter talked to at least 15 policemen on duty, including the traffic police in front of Kantaban, Shahbagh, Banglamotor, Karwan Bazar, Vijay Sarani and Shishu Mela in the capital.
Ansar members are also performing duties with the traffic police.
On condition of anonymity, an Ansar member told Daily Star, ‘It has been two months since I started my duty in the traffic department. Working in this intense heat, I get a monthly salary of 16 thousand 200 taka. With this it is impossible to live with family in Dhaka. So the family is forced to stay in the village house. Even if it’s hard, you have to look after your children and work.’
A traffic policeman is on duty in the hot sun. The picture was taken by photographer Emran Hossain of The Daily Star from in front of Noor Hossain Chatwar on Saturday.
“>
A traffic policeman is on duty in the hot sun. The photo was taken by photographer Emran Hossain of The Daily Star from in front of Noor Hossain Chatwar on Saturday.
A traffic police sergeant on duty at an intersection in the capital said on condition of anonymity, ‘We have to perform duty for more than eight hours in this intense heat. There is no holiday in the week. Can’t feel peace of mind due to work pressure. Can’t give time to family. We live a very inhumane life. Sometimes I feel like nothing but a machine.’
“Since traffic control is very important in the capital, our duty bi-rotation system would have reduced the workload. Then I would have a little peace’, he added.
For the traffic policemen who are performing their duties in the intense heat, there is glucose and food saline along with fresh water under the management of Dhaka Metropolitan Police. In some places, water tanks are also kept for common people.
However, Ansar members are not getting glucose and food saline like the police. They alleged that Ansar members could eat the glucose and saline allotted to them by the policemen.
Four Ansar members told The Daily Star, on condition of anonymity, that there is no specific allocation for us from the DMP. We get if some give saline or glucose from the portion of the cops. We suffer as much as the police in the sun.
Shahbagh Traffic Zone Assistant Sub-Inspector Shafiqul Islam told Daily Star, ‘DMP has arranged saline, glucose and water considering the heat. Apart from this, the traffic police, who are senior, have been assigned duties on relatively less busy roads.’
When asked, Sergeant Shafiul Islam, who is in charge at Banglamotor Junction, told Daily Star, “The DMP has kept food saline and glucose for Ansar members as well. They are getting it as needed.’
Dhaka Metropolitan Police Additional Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Munibur Rahman told Daily Star, ‘Traffic police and Ansar members with them are working with professionalism and dedication in the ongoing heat. We have instructed them to perform their duties in compliance with hygiene rules.’
Regarding the complaint of Ansar members, he said, ‘This should not happen. Ansar members are working with the traffic police. Saline and glucose are also provided for them. However, the complaint will be investigated.
