Reports of AI Camera Shutdown at Two Signals Are Rumors: DMP
Collected Photo
Claims circulating on social media that artificial intelligence-based traffic cameras installed at Karwan Bazar and Banglamotor in Dhaka have been suspended or stopped are false, the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) said.
Several photo cards and images recently went viral on social media alleging that the AI cameras in the two key intersections had become inactive. One widely shared post claimed, 'After Karwan Bazar, Banglamotor AI cameras have been suspended,' creating confusion among the public and leading many to believe that the technology-driven traffic management system had been shut down.
However, police said the information is not accurate. All AI-based traffic cameras are currently operational and functioning normally.
Sources said the system in Karwan Bazar experienced a temporary disruption, but it was not due to any policy decision or suspension of operations. Instead, the issue occurred during electrical and communication line work, when cables connected to the camera system were accidentally cut, causing a temporary shutdown. The system was later repaired and restored.
DMP Traffic Additional Commissioner Anisur Rahman told reporters, “During electrical work, workers accidentally cut the camera system’s cable. As a result, the AI-based surveillance system remained inactive for about two days. It took some time to restore the damaged connection and resolve the technical issue.”
He added, “The claim that AI cameras have been suspended is not true. The disruption happened due to cable damage during maintenance work. It has been repaired, and all cameras are now fully operational and running regular monitoring.”
Officials said AI cameras play a key role in monitoring traffic at major intersections, identifying violations, and ensuring modern traffic management. The technology helps track vehicle movement, detect traffic offenses, and collect enforcement data.
Allegations of misuse and extortion
Meanwhile, allegations have surfaced on social media claiming that AI traffic cameras can be manually turned on and off and are being misused by police personnel to extort money from drivers.
In a Facebook group named 'Traffic Alert,' a user identified as SM Nahidur Rahman posted on Thursday at 3:09 pm that while crossing Banglamotor, the traffic signal reportedly switched directly from green to red without a yellow phase. He further claimed that police stopped him and threatened him with a Tk 6,000 case before releasing him in exchange for Tk 500.
In his post, he wrote: “Today I understood that AI is not supposed to make such mistakes. I used to think AI would take human jobs. Now it seems our police have taken over AI’s job.”
Responding to the allegations, Additional Commissioner Anisur Rahman said the police would take immediate action if credible evidence is submitted.
“If any traffic sergeant or member is found taking illegal money instead of issuing proper fines, we will suspend them on the spot,” he said, adding that the police maintain a 'zero tolerance' policy on corruption.
He further said that any verified video, photo, or other admissible evidence would be investigated and appropriate departmental and legal action would follow if the allegations are proven.
Officials said AI-based cameras have been installed at major intersections across Dhaka to restore traffic discipline. The system digitally processes violations such as running red lights, crossing stop lines, wrong-way driving, illegal parking, and blocking lanes, while also issuing notices to vehicle owners and drivers.
Authorities added that the system has already contributed to visible improvements in traffic discipline, with growing compliance among drivers as automated monitoring reduces violations previously ignored even in the presence of traffic police.
