In a bid to transform parking facilities and instill order in the bustling capital of Bangladesh, Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) has officially introduced the “Smart on Street Parking” app. The unveiling of this innovative pilot program took place with great anticipation at the DNCC’s Nagar Bhaban in the Gulshan-2 area, marking a significant step toward more organized and efficient urban management.
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The newly introduced parking solution, aptly named “DNCC Smart Parking,” is readily available for download on both the Google Play Store and the App Store. This user-friendly application is set to cover a total of 202 parking locations distributed across eight different key roads in the Gulshan locality, providing a convenient and tech-savvy parking experience for residents and visitors alike.
New urban management standards
The inauguration ceremony was graced by the presence of the honorable Home Minister, Asaduzzaman Khan, who held the position of chief guest. DNCC Mayor, Md Atiqul Islam, presided over the event, emphasizing the vital role of technology in advancing the nation’s infrastructure.
Speaking at the event, Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan underscored the rapid digital transformation of Bangladesh and the commitment to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s vision of a “Smart Bangladesh.” He remarked, “She dreams, her dreams come true, and we are moving forward at a rapid speed. She has brought us to this point by implementing all the promises she made.”
He further emphasized the need for a smart society, smart education, and smart governance to realize the vision of a “Smart Bangladesh,” all of which will be driven by the Prime Minister’s unwavering leadership.
Mayor Md Atiqul Islam explained that the introduction of the “Smart on Street Parking” app is a pioneering step for Bangladesh. Drawing upon practical experience gained from Miami City under the Commercial Law Development Program (CLDP) of the United States, this initiative is set to thrive with the cooperation of all stakeholders. The mayor also revealed plans to extend this smart parking system to all areas within the North City in subsequent phases.
The launch of the “Smart on Street Parking” app is poised to redefine urban convenience, laying the foundation for a more streamlined and efficient urban experience in Dhaka and beyond. With this innovative solution, the DNCC is taking a monumental step towards embracing the digital age and ushering in a new era of urban management in Bangladesh.
Online services and ‘Smart Bangladesh’ vision
Mayor Md Atiqul Islam affirmed, “The country is moving forward with the hand of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. We are moving towards the vision of Smart Bangladesh.” With a firm commitment to this vision, the DNCC has implemented various online services, such as tax collection and trade licenses, as part of their drive towards a more digitally adept and efficient society.
Regarding online tax collection, Mayor Atiqul Islam stated, “DNCC is collecting tax online, where no cash holding tax is collected. None of you will pay the holding tax in person; all of you will pay the holding tax online.” The DNCC has also launched a Dhaka app for reporting complaints, which has proven highly effective, with an impressive 98% of complaints already resolved. These online initiatives are instrumental in building transparent and corruption-free institutions, a vital component of a “Smart Bangladesh.”
In his remarks, Mayor Atiqul Islam criticized recent political events and reaffirmed the unwavering forward momentum of the nation, stating, “I mean, the boat has no back gear. The boat will move forward.” Dhaka-17 Constituency MP Mohammad Ali Arafat echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the transition from Digital Bangladesh to Smart Bangladesh under the guidance of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. He underscored the Awami League’s dedication to the betterment of the people, while addressing concerns about opposition activities.
Md Mostafizur Rahman, Senior Secretary of the Public Security Division of the Ministry of Home Affairs, highlighted the potential for the model’s success to be replicated across the country in stages, signifying its scalability and positive impact.
New parking fee structure
The “Smart on Street Parking” app promises to redefine urban convenience, allowing vehicle owners to effortlessly find, reserve, and pay for parking spots within the city. With this innovative application, users can identify nearby available parking spaces, secure spots in advance, and handle payments with ease, heralding a new era of efficient urban management in Dhaka.
In a move aimed at streamlining parking facilities and promoting responsible vehicle use, a new parking fee structure has also been unveiled. The fee structure is designed to strike a balance between affordability and efficient urban management. Here are the details:
Private Car, Jeep, and Microbus:
- First two hours: Tk50
- Third hour: Tk50
- Fourth hour onwards: Tk100 for each subsequent hour
Motorcycle:
- First two hours: Tk15
- Third hour: Tk15
- Fourth hour onwards: Tk30 for each subsequent hour
These parking fees will be in effect from Saturday to Thursday between 8 am and 10 pm, allowing for a more organized and convenient parking experience during peak hours. Importantly, there is no fee for parking during the late evening and early morning hours, from 10 pm to 8 am, ensuring a hassle-free experience for night owls.
Furthermore, it’s worth noting that parking is entirely free on Fridays and other public holidays, providing a welcomed respite to the public and promoting a relaxed and leisurely parking environment.
