Dhaka: A group of activists organised a rally and distributed leaflets among the common people to raise awareness among them to observe ‘No Car Day’ on March 30 in Rampura and Hatirjheel areas of the city on Thursday.

Led by Arafat Noman, chief organiser for the event, they distributed pamphlets urging all to express solidarity with them for not using their cars on the day (30 March).

‘I was inspired by the concept, which was first introduced in China in 2007,’ said Noman adding that it later became popular in several countries in Europe and Asia.

He believed such a concept, although far-fetched for a country like Bangladesh, would conserve fuel for a day and ease traffic jams to a great extent.

People can commute in buses and other modes of transport, and thus checking regular pollution volumes, Noman added.

Aiming to raise awareness, he plans to visit corporate houses and urge them not to bring out their vehicles on that day, unless it is absolutely necessary.

Noman also anticipates cooperation from the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) and other transportation authorities so that their initiative on 30 March can be successful.

Asked about their real expectations from the event, he admitted that although it would not be possible to completely keep motor vehicles away from the streets, it would fairly show a car-free Dhaka city on that day if 1000 cars stay in the garage that is usually experienced during Eid or hartal days.