Tarique's return draws crowds in parts of Dhaka, other areas see light traffic

The return of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman to Bangladesh triggered a massive public gathering in parts of the capital today (25 December), while large sections of Dhaka remained unusually empty due to the Christmas holiday.

Roads along the airport corridor witnessed heavy crowds as party supporters gathered to welcome Tarique Rahman, leading to traffic restrictions and the suspension of public transport in several areas.

In contrast, much of the city saw light traffic and deserted streets, resembling an Eid holiday scenario.

Large numbers of people were seen along Airport Road, Kuril Bishwaroad and the 300 Feet Road in Purbachal to receive the BNP leader.

As a result, public transport movement from Amtoli in Mohakhali towards Banani was suspended.

Banglamotor intersection in Dhaka remain relatively empty on 25 December. Photo: TBS

Only vehicles carrying outbound air passengers and emergency service vehicles were allowed to use the route.

Crowds were also seen along Pragati Sarani up to Bashundhara Gate, while gatherings on Airport Road extended as far as the Banani graveyard. Beyond these areas, however, most city roads remained largely empty.

A visit to Asadgate, Khamarbari, Farmgate, Karwan Bazar, Banglamotor, Shahbagh, Paltan and Gulistan revealed minimal traffic and almost no pedestrian movement.

The government holiday for Christmas significantly reduced vehicular movement, with most residents choosing to stay indoors unless necessary to avoid inconvenience.

Public transport operators said the lack of passengers made operating financially unviable despite clear roads.

Fewer traffic in Khamarbari intersection in Dhaka as law enforcement patrols the area on 25 December. Photo: TBS

Jasim, a driver of Welcome Paribahan operating on the Savar–Motijheel route, said vehicles were few on the roads and traffic signals were mostly clear.

"On a regular day, it takes one and a half to two hours to reach Farmgate from Savar. Today it took around 45 minutes. There were hardly any passengers. Bringing the bus out today was not worth it," he said.

Farid, a driver of Bikalpa Paribahan from Mirpur, said, "Roads in Mirpur were as empty as on Eid holidays. Passengers are almost non-existent because it's a public holiday."

Ride-sharing driver Md Al-Amin, speaking at Banglamotor intersection, said, "Traffic was completely halted on Pragati Sarani and Airport Road due to crowds, while areas such as Gulistan, Shahbagh and Farmgate were empty. Usually I earn Tk500–600 by noon. Today I've earned only Tk200 due to the lack of passengers."

Traffic police said no congestion was observed in the southern parts of the city during the morning, but warned that pressure could increase later in the day. Sergeant Rabiul of the Ramna Traffic Division told The Business Standard that the holiday and the concentration of people near the airport kept traffic light in other areas.

"Vehicles are passing without stopping at signals," he said. "However, congestion may increase in the afternoon or evening once the reception programme ends, similar to what we saw yesterday."

Tarique Rahman returned to Bangladesh after 17 years today. The flight carrying him landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 11:40am, after which he departed for a reception venue along the 300 Feet Road in Purbachal.