They urged the citizens to use bicycle for their movement from one place to another as it also maintains pollution-free environment.

The press conference was organised by Manusher Janya Rasta, a non-government organisation working for better transportation, in the city yesterday.

The speakers said traffic jam occurs mainly due to large number of private cars plying in the city.

They called upon the government to impose high duties on private cars to discourage their import and reduce traffic jam.

They also urged the authorities concerned to introduce better bus service in the capital for the commuters.

"Private cars are mainly responsible for traffic jam in the capital," said Saifuddin Ahmed, executive director of Work for Better Bangladesh (WBB).

"About 40 to 50 people can move in a bus whereas only two to five people move in a private car. So the government should take strict measures to reduce the number of private cars," said Amit Ranjan Dey, project manager of WBB, while presenting the keynote paper.

He said a section of roads in the capital is used for dustbins and parking place causing traffic jam.

Amit urged the government to take effective steps to stop car parking on busy roads and remove temporary shops from the footpaths.

The government should set up kitchen markets in all residential areas reducing traffic jams on the big market premises, said Debra Efroymson, regional director of the Path Canada.

Aminul Islam Sujon, media officer of WBB, said the government should repair the footpaths and plant trees on road dividers and footpaths so that people can walk under the shadow of the trees which also help maintain ecological balance.

Around 17 non-government organisations including The Hunger Project, Dhaka Cycling Club, Ushika, Protyasha, Usha, Jubo Academy, Swadesh Unnayan Kendra, Manabik, Campaign for Peace, and Bangladesh Swashikkha Parishad are working with Manusher Janya Rasta for the improvement of traffic as well as roads in the city.