From classrooms to crossroads: Students manage Dhaka traffic in absence of order

Dhaka has been infamous for its chaotic traffic, but finds its arteries flowing more smoothly—ironically in the absence of the very forces once tasked with maintaining order. 

Following the ouster of Sheikh Hasina's regime through a mass uprising on 5 August, police deserted their posts amidst the nationwide unrest.

But the students have emerged as the unlikely custodians of Dhaka's sprawling roadways.

In the aftermath of the political upheaval, Dhaka's traffic—a notorious emblem of the city's frenetic pace and inefficiency—has found a new rhythm under the command of young men and women who have traded their textbooks for whistles and hand signals. 

These students, many of whom were on the frontlines of the protests that toppled the long-standing regime, now stand at intersections, directing the flow of vehicles with a resolve that belies their years.

The origins of this remarkable development can be traced back to the heart of the student movement that played a pivotal role in the uprising. 

What began as a protest against government corruption and authoritarianism quickly evolved into a nationwide campaign, capturing the imagination of millions and culminating in the ouster of a government that had ruled with an iron fist for years. 

As the old order crumbled, the institutions that once upheld it—most notably the police—disintegrated, leaving a vacuum that threatened to plunge the city into anarchy.

Yet, in a twist of fate, it was the very students who had sparked the revolution who stepped in to prevent the descent into chaos. 

Drawing on the organisational skills honed during the protests, these young leaders swiftly mobilised to take control of the city’s streets. 

Equipped with little more than their determination and a deep sense of civic duty, they began to regulate traffic, ensuring that ambulances could reach hospitals, that supplies could be delivered, and that the daily lives of Dhaka’s citizens could continue amidst the turmoil.

The sight of students—some as young as 12—directing traffic in the shadow of Dhaka’s iconic landmarks is both inspiring and sobering. 

It is a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of a generation that has grown up under the shadow of authoritarianism and yet refuses to be cowed. 

These young men and women are now the vanguards of a new order, one in which the people, not the state, hold the reins of power.

Their efforts have not gone unnoticed. 

Across Dhaka, residents have expressed a mix of admiration and gratitude for the students' initiative. Many see them as the embodiment of a new Bangladesh—one that is determined to break free from the shackles of corruption and misrule. 

"They are our future," says one resident, watching as a group of students deftly manage a busy intersection. 

"If they can handle this, they can handle anything."

Yet, for all the praise, the students are acutely aware of the enormity of the task before them. 

The absence of police means that they must also contend with the darker elements of society—those who would exploit the chaos for personal gain. 

There have been reports of clashes between students and rogue elements, as well as incidents of extortion and violence. 

But these young guardians remain undeterred, driven by a sense of purpose that transcends the immediate challenges.

In a city where the line between order and chaos has always been precariously thin, it is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, the spirit of community and solidarity can prevail. 

As Dhaka’s streets continue to hum with the energy of a city in transition, one thing is clear- the students who now stand at its crossroads are not just directing traffic—they are charting the course for a new future.