Traffic remains under control amid Jamaat rally; volunteers manage crowd at key points
Due to the heavy presence of Jamaat activists on the streets, vehicular movement in many areas near Suhrawardy Udyan has been disrupted.
The traffic situation on the roads surrounding Suhrawardy Udyan is still under control, despite growing congestion in several key areas of the capital due to the Jamaat-e-Islami's rally taking place at the historic venue today (19 July).
"Buses have been stationed in designated areas, and the movement of small vehicles is normal. Additionally, to prevent traffic congestion, alternative routes have been established with traffic diversions set up at various points," said Rumana Akter, additional deputy commissioner of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police's Ramna traffic division.
Jamaat activists are entering the city through various entry points for the party's national rally. Due to their presence on roads near Shahbag, Matsya Bhaban intersection, Banglamotor, Karwan Bazar, and surrounding areas, vehicular movement has slowed significantly.
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However, in most areas, Jamaat activists and volunteers are leaving one lane open for traffic as they proceed with their processions.
Activists are still heading towards the rally venue, chanting various slogans. Some had cloth tied around their heads, others were carrying party flags, and a few were waving the red-and-green national flag of Bangladesh. Many were also seen wearing T-shirts bearing the party's electoral symbol - the scales.
Jamaat activists and supporters were also seen gathering in large numbers at several metro rail stations.
Buses transporting Jamaat members from different parts of the country have been seen parked along Manik Mia Avenue, Khamarbari, Farmgate, Karwan Bazar, and Eskaton, adding to the pressure on traffic flow in these locations.
Jamaat has also deployed thousands of volunteers on the streets to maintain order and assist with traffic management.
At the InterContinental Dhaka intersection, Jamaat volunteers were seen actively guiding both pedestrian and vehicular movement.
Advocate Sheikh Zillur Rahman Azmi, ameer of the Jamaat's Hatirjheel East unit, told The Business Standard, "We have around 160 volunteers working at the InterContinental point alone. They are making sure that neither vehicular movement nor processions are disrupted.
"Everything is normal so far, and we hope everything will proceed in an orderly manner."
No buses are being allowed to enter Shahbag from Karwan Bazar, although small vehicles and ambulances are being permitted through.
Due to the heavy presence of Jamaat activists on the streets, vehicular movement has nearly come to a standstill. As the day progresses, the number of activists on the roads is continuing to grow.
To support their activists, Jamaat has arranged drinking water and food at various points along the roads. Medical camps have also been set up.
DMP's Tejgaon traffic division Deputy Commissioner Rafikul Islam told TBS, "Vehicle movement on the expressway is higher than on other holidays. Besides, there is some congestion on the Mogbazar to Mohakhali route."
