The government is set to expand the use of artificial intelligence (AI) technology to enforce traffic laws on highways across the country. Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has announced that an AI-based ‘Auto Fine System’ will gradually be introduced on all national highways following its launch on the Dhaka-Chattogram Highway.

The minister made the announcement on Tuesday (August 18) during the inauguration of the AI-powered ‘Auto Fine System’ at the Highway Police’s Command, Control and Monitoring Center in Meghnaghat, Sonargaon, Narayanganj.

Officials said the system will automatically detect and record various traffic violations, including speeding, dangerous overtaking, ignoring traffic signals, driving on the wrong side of the road and illegal parking.

Speaking at the inauguration, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed described the initiative as a landmark step toward restoring discipline on highways. He said the government would assess the system’s performance and experience on the Dhaka-Chattogram Highway before gradually introducing the technology on highways across the country.

The minister also issued a stern warning against illegal extortion on highways. He said any involvement in extortion by transport owners, labor federations or police personnel would be recorded through CCTV and AI-powered cameras. He expressed hope that the technology would help reduce such crimes and, with public cooperation, make highways free from extortion.

Regarding the movement of illegal three-wheelers and non-motorized vehicles, the minister said no unauthorized or unlicensed three-wheeler or non-motorized vehicle would be allowed to operate on highways.

Immediate legal action will be taken against such vehicles, he said. However, he instructed the chief of Highway Police to ensure proper coordination regarding essential matters such as the use of local feeder roads and refueling at CNG filling stations.

The event was chaired by Faruk Ahmed, chief of Highway Police and Additional Inspector General. Special guests included Shamsur Rahman Shimul Biswas, president of the Bangladesh Road Transport Workers Federation and a member of parliament; Azharul Islam Mannan, MP for Narayanganj-3; and Inspector General of Police (IGP) Md. Ali Hossain Fakir.

AI Cameras Installed on 490 Pillars

Under the project, automated AI cameras have already been installed on 490 pillars along the Dhaka-Chattogram Highway. The cameras will detect and record various types of traffic violations.

When a vehicle violates traffic laws, the relevant information will automatically be transferred to the database of the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA). The registered owner will then receive details of the case via SMS on their mobile phone.

Vehicle owners will be able to pay fines from home through mobile financial services (MFS). If a vehicle repeatedly violates traffic laws, strict administrative and legal action—including cancellation of its registration—will be taken in accordance with BRTA regulations.

At the event, Highway Police, Bangladesh Police, transport owners’ and workers’ organizations, and the general public were urged to work together to make the initiative successful. Emphasis was also placed on creating widespread public awareness through the media and social media platforms.