Motorcyclist Jailed for Concealing Number Plate to Evade AI Traffic Cameras

A motorcyclist who attempted to avoid detection by AI-powered traffic cameras by covering part of his vehicle’s registration plate has been identified and arrested by Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP). A special magistrate court later sentenced him to one month in jail and imposed a fine of Tk 2,000.

The information was disclosed by DMP Additional Commissioner (Traffic) Anichur Rahman during a press briefing held at the DMP Media Center on Minto Road in Dhaka on Tuesday (June 2).

According to police, the rider covered three digits of his motorcycle’s registration number with white adhesive tape while travelling on city roads on May 19. Images of the incident later went viral on social media and were widely circulated by national media outlets, prompting police to launch an investigation.

DMP began its inquiry on May 21 and eventually identified the suspect as 38-year-old Lablu Haque, a resident of the Lalbagh area of the capital. Since the rider’s face was not clearly visible in the viral image, investigators analyzed CCTV footage, matched locations, and manually reviewed multiple visual records to track him down.

Police officials said the motorcyclist was not wearing a helmet at the time of the incident. Preliminary findings suggest he concealed part of the number plate to avoid being detected by AI-based traffic monitoring systems.

Speaking at the briefing, DMP officials emphasized that the objective of the operation was not merely to punish an offender but to raise public awareness and demonstrate that traffic authorities have the capability to identify and take action against those who violate traffic laws.

The event was also attended by CTTC Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Rakib Khan and DMP Media and Public Relations Deputy Commissioner N. M. Nasiruddin.