City of protests: Traffic halts for hours in key areas amid demonstrations

Abrar Aowsaf started for his office from his Mohammadpur residence around 12 noon today (21 May). Enduring severe traffic congestion all the way, when he got off from his CNG autorickshaw at the foot of the Moghbazar flyover at 3pm, his office in Eskaton Garden was still a half kilometre away.

He decided to start walking because continuing on the autorickshaw would take another 40-50 minutes to go around the U-turn ahead and reach his office.

Thousands of commuters faced similar traffic gridlocks across the capital today (21 May) as at least four large demonstrations and protests by various organisations blocked the city roads.

The protesters blocked major intersections in Nagar Bhaban area, Matsya Bhaban intersection and Kakrail intersection demanding BNP leader Ishraque Hossain's oath-taking as the mayor of Dhaka South City Corporation. The National Citizen Party (NCP) also held demonstrations in front of the Election Commision headquarters in Agargaon demanding EC reform and holding local government elections.

Protests began after 11am at Matsya Bhaban intersection, causing severe traffic disruptions and public suffering. Demonstrators also gathered in front of Nagar Bhaban, the South City Corporation headquarters, chanting slogans in support of Ishraque and calling for his immediate swearing-in as mayor.

Additional Deputy Commissioner of the Tejgaon zone Tania Akter said, due to the road blockade in the Ramna Division, incoming vehicles were unable to enter the area. 

"This has caused traffic congestion at the Sat Rasta intersection and the road adjacent to Sonargaon Hotel."

Due to the protests, vehicular movement on the road in front of Nagar Bhaban had been halted since the morning, said DC (Traffic) of Ramna Division Shafiqul Islam.

"Besides, the road from Kakrail to Matsya Bhaban is completely blocked," he said, adding, "As a result, traffic pressure has increased on alternative roads." 

The situation exacerbated in the late afternoon when rain started to pour.

After the office hours ended, the roads going through Shahbagh, Karwan Bazar, Kakrail and Tejgaon saw absolute traffic gridlocks for hours.

From Shahbagh to Chandrima Udyan through Bijoy Sarani, traffic remained stuck at about a 3.8 km stretch of road. 

A similar gridlock plagued the road from Dhanmondi to Gabtoli, over a five kilometre span. 

From Mohakhali to Gulistan through Kakrail and Moghbazar, and from the secretariat to Shahbagh intersection, roads also saw a virtually complete halt of traffic movement for hours. From Malibagh railgate to Badda, another 4.5 km segment also suffered unbearable traffic congestion. 

Commuters said the road blockades were rendering the city unlivable.

"This is unacceptable. Protesters should not block roads no matter what. I'm stuck here in Karwan Bazar for one and half hours now," said Shimonti, a bus commuter who was headed for a city hospital.

"I understand the protesters may think they are doing this for the good of the public. But they are doing more harm," she said, adding, she was going to miss the doctor's appointment.

"If you really have to demonstrate, do it in a way without halting the traffic. Be sensible," the young woman said, showing visible outrage.