Man jailed, fined for covering motorcycle number plate to evade AI camera

A mobile court has sentenced a man to one month’s imprisonment and fined him Tk 2,000 after a video went viral on social media showing him covering a motorcycle’s number plate with white scotch tape to evade detection by AI-powered traffic surveillance cameras. The person was identified as Lablu Haque, 38, a resident of the Lalbagh area in Dhaka. In default of payment, he will have to serve an additional seven days in jail. The verdict came after the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) produced him before the mobile court today.

The punishment was handed down under the Sections 16(3) and 72 of the Road Transport Act, 2018. Additional Commissioner (Traffic) of DMP, Anisur Rahman, disclosed the information at a press briefing at the DMP Media Center today.

Earlier, a video circulated widely on social media showed a motorcyclist wearing a helmet while the vehicle’s number plate was partially concealed with white scotch tape. Anisur Rahman said the incident came to the attention of DMP on May 21, prompting concern that such deceptive tactics could encourage others to evade surveillance systems. He said the matter was taken seriously and an investigation was launched immediately.

However, identifying the rider was initially difficult as his face was not clearly visible in the footage. Later, with assistance from the Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) unit, CCTV footage from different parts of the capital was analysed. By matching the motorcycle type and registration details, investigators identified the suspect. Deputy Commissioner of CTTC Mohammad Rakib Khan said the accused was later arrested from the Karwan Bazar area.

Anisur Rahman added that the aim of DMP is not only punishment but also to raise awareness for voluntary compliance with traffic laws, warning that strict legal action will continue against violations.