Some normalcy restored in capital as traffic, public transportation surge
The number of public and private vehicles on the roads has surged compared to the previous day.
The noticeable increase in activity among residents in Dhaka on Wednesday (7 August) suggested the restoration of some normalcy.
The roads were busier than the previous day, with a surge in vehicular movement. Buses were seen picking passengers even after all seats were filled.
According to people involved in public transportation, Wednesd's road traffic resembled that of normal times.
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"We are getting a good number of passengers today. We are having to accommodate passengers even after all seats are filled," said Zubair, helper of Shikor Paribahan.
Kamal Mia, a traffic control volunteer in Shewrapara, said, "There has been a considerable increase in people's movement since Tuesday. The number of vehicles on the roads suggests that things are starting to return to normal."
The rise in public activity has also led to an increase in passengers for motorcycles and CNG vehicles.
Motorcyclist Mohammad Mostafizur Rahman, who gives ride-sharing services, said, "From 7am to 10am, I had continuous trips. Today, there are more people on the streets compared to Tuesday."
CNG driver Mohammad Nazrul Islam said, "People's movement has increased, and it feels quite normal. We are getting more passengers, mostly for various offices. However, not everyone might have started going out yet. If this continues, I hope that everything will return to normal in a day or two."
Similarly, the waterways were also seeing increased activity on Wednesday.
Alamgir Kabir, joint director of the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA), said more water vessels were operating Wednesday compared to Tuesday.
"Over 20 vessels are expected to depart Dhaka for different destinations today," he said.
However, the railway services have yet to resume due to ongoing challenges, according to Sardar Shahadat Ali, director general of Bangladesh Railway.
"I am unsure about what decision to make regarding the resumption of train services. There is no minister…Who will make the decision? I alone cannot decide," he said on Tuesday.
