Dhaka streets unusually empty amid security clampdown

Dhaka's usually congested roads were eerily quiet thus morning (13 November), with traffic reduced to less than half its normal volume amid heightened security measures following political unrest.

At Banglamotor, where traffic lights typically stay red for six minutes during rush hour, signals were being cleared in less than two minutes due to the low number of vehicles.

"Traffic pressure is very low today - less than half of what we usually see. We're clearing signals much faster," said Constable Ayub Ali, who was on duty at Banglamotor.

Shariat Ullah, who drove from Hemayetpur to Banglamotor, said, "There wasn't any congestion at all. I've never seen the roads this empty on a weekday. I was worried about coming out today, but had to for work."

Sumon, a helper with Labbaik Paribahan, shared a similar experience. "The roads are quite clear today, and there are fewer passengers too. But the fear people had didn't seem to match the reality - there's police and army presence at almost every intersection," he told The Business Standard.

Despite visible unease among commuters, daily life cautiously resumed - office-goers returned to work and students headed to schools - while law enforcement personnel stood guard at major intersections. 

Political activists were also seen positioned at key points across the capital as authorities maintained a watchful eye to prevent any untoward incidents.

Law enforcement personnel were deployed across the city, maintaining a heightened state of alert. Political party activists were seen stationed at key points throughout the capital.

A visit to several areas — including Mirpur-1, Mirpur-2, Mirpur-10, Pallabi, Shewrapara, Agargaon, Shyamoli, and Gabtoli — today morning reflected a scene of near-normal activity.

Hasibul Islam, a government employee commuting from Mirpur-10 to Gabtoli, told The Business Standard (TBS), "Many people are spreading all kinds of rumors on social media, but the reality on the ground is different. Like any other day, people are out on the streets. There's no sense of fear among us."

Yasin, a driver with Shikor Paribahan, said, "I went out with my bus as usual. Passenger numbers are a bit lower than normal, but the roads are still busy. I was a little worried about reports of buses being set on fire, but with the army and police on the streets, that fear has gone."

Sumaiya Begum, who was taking her daughter to school, said, "I was nervous before leaving home, but once I came out, the fear disappeared. I'm taking my child to school — others will too."

Few passengers, empty counters at Gabtoli bus terminal 

Passenger numbers on long-haul buses leaving Dhaka have dropped sharply as the impact of the Awami League-declared "lockdown" became evident. Gabtoli bus terminal remained largely empty since morning, with fewer trips and delayed departures.

"Usually, at least five buses leave by 8am, but today only two managed to go, both to Faridpur," said Ali Asgar, counterman at Golden Line. "We haven't had passengers for Barishal or Satkhira routes since yesterday afternoon."

Rubel from Hanif Enterprise added, "We have kept one morning trip suspended as passenger turnout has been low since last night."

Travellers, too, expressed frustration. "The morning bus to Rangpur didn't leave; now they say it'll go at 9am," said passenger Sulaiman Hossain. "I've been waiting here for two hours - not sure if it'll even leave on time."

Sajib from Sohag Paribahan said their 9:30am Jessore bus was cancelled. "We ran two trips this morning but got only four or five passengers."

Another traveller, Abdul Hannan, who bought a ticket to Bheramara, said, "The bus was supposed to leave at 8am but hasn't arrived yet. Maybe they're waiting to fill seats. People are scared because of the Awami League's announcement - I'm afraid too, but I have to travel."