Padma Bridge and Expressway under strict security, vehicle volume noticeably lower
Traffic flow across the Padma Bridge has been described as "mostly normal," although passenger vehicle volume is noticeably lower than on regular days.
The crucial road link between the capital and the country's southern region via the Padma Bridge and the Dhaka-Mawa-Bhanga Expressway remains open and operational today (17 November), amid a two-day "Dhaka lockdown" announced by the banned Awami League ahead of the International Crimes Tribunal's verdict against party chief and ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina.
Traffic flow across the Padma Bridge has been described as "mostly normal," although passenger vehicle volume is noticeably lower than on regular days.
Security has been massively ramped up across the corridor.
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Additional personnel from the police, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), and the army have been deployed and are actively patrolling the expressway and the Zajira-point toll plaza.
Deputy Inspector General of Police (Dhaka Range) Rezaul Karim Mallick inspected the security situation this morning in Faridpur, Madaripur, and Shariatpur districts. Home Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, had also visited the Zajira end last night.
DIG Mallick assured reporters in Faridpur's Bhanga that law enforcement is fully prepared to prevent any violence and protect public life and property, stating, "We have taken all necessary preparations to counter any action related to the banned Awami League's lockdown."
The area is also seeing counter-mobilisation efforts by political parties.
Activists from Jamaat-e-Islami and BNP have taken to the expressway since morning, holding demonstrations and motorcades to "resist" the Awami League's programme.
Despite the high tension and the lockdown call, no acts of sabotage were reported on the Bhanga-Mawa Expressway as of 11:30am. Vehicles are smoothly entering and leaving the southern districts, though local business owners report significantly reduced foot traffic and sales due to the prevailing uncertainty.
