Dhaka cut off as arson, vandalism and blockades disrupt travel across multiple highways
Protesters also exploded cocktails, burned tyres and marched in scattered processions, creating widespread panic
Communication between Dhaka and multiple major districts of the country was disrupted today (13 November) as blockades, arson and vandalism linked to the activity-banned Awami League-planned "lockdown" brought long-distance bus operations to a halt in multiple districts.
A few of the major highways have been blocked, whereas long-haul buses have refrained from operating in many districts amid fear of arson and vandalism.
Shariatpur–Dhaka route: Buses suspended; police van attacked, truck torched
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Bus services on the Shariatpur–Dhaka route remained suspended after Awami League leaders and activists blocked the Padma Bridge–Bhanga Expressway from 6am to 9am.
Protesters placed large tree logs at five points along the 31km expressway and occupied sections of the road near Naodoba in Jajira.
During the blockade, a police van was attacked and vandalised, and hand bombs were hurled. In Tastarkandi, a truck was set on fire.
Protesters also exploded cocktails, burned tyres and marched in scattered processions, creating widespread panic. Police later detained three suspects.
According to Padma Bridge South Police Station and local sources, the blockade was part of the Awami League-planned "lockdown." Fire service teams brought the truck blaze under control, while two passenger buses were vandalised during the unrest.
The blockade caused a half-kilometre tailback near the Jamaddar area. Police and locals helped secure the stranded vehicles.
"I came with my family for urgent work, only to find buses suspended," said passenger Mahmuda. "We are ordinary travellers, but we are always targeted."
Another traveller, Alamgir, said he waited two hours before returning home due to the tense situation.
Shariatpur Bus Owners' Association President Faruk Ahmed Talukdar said two Shariatpur-bound buses were torched in Dhaka's Dholaipar area on Wednesday (12 November).
"With today's blockade near the Padma Bridge, owners and workers have stopped operating buses out of fear. Services will resume once the situation normalises," he said.
Padma Bridge South Police Station OC Golam Rasul said protesters occupied a one-kilometre stretch west of the bridge.
"When police tried to clear the road, miscreants hurled a hand bomb at a police van and set fire to a truck," he said.
He added that the fire was extinguished quickly and that traffic over the bridge has now returned to normal.
Dhaka–Khulna and Bhanga–Faridpur highways reopen after hours
After nearly four and a half hours of blockade over the activity-banned Awami League's "lockdown," traffic movement on the Dhaka–Khulna highway resumed.
Around 10:15am today, vehicles began moving again on the Dhaka–Khulna highway, while traffic on the Bhanga–Faridpur highway resumed around 9:30am.
Confirming the resumption of traffic, Bhanga Highway Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Md Rokibuzzaman said blockades had been set up at Shuadi bus stand and Pukhuria areas of Bhanga upazila along the Dhaka–Khulna highway over the lockdown.
"Traffic on the Dhaka–Khulna highway resumed around 10:15am, while movement on the Bhanga–Faridpur highway restarted around 9:30am. The situation is now normal," he added.
Dhaka–Chattogram and regional highways remain normal in Cumilla
In contrast, major highways in Cumilla—including the Dhaka–Chattogram, Cumilla–Sylhet and Cumilla regional routes—remained unaffected.
No incidents of sabotage were reported on Wednesday or today. Only isolated tyre-burning incidents occurred on Tuesday. Police, RAB, army personnel and student groups were present at key points to prevent unrest.
"We are alert to prevent any untoward incidents," said Moinamoti Highway Police OC Iqbal Bahar Mojumder. "So far, no signs of sabotage have been detected."
Few passengers, empty counters at Gabtoli bus terminal
Passenger numbers on long-haul buses leaving Dhaka 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 kept one morning trip suspended as passenger turnout has been low since last night."
"The morning bus to Rangpur didn't leave; now they say it will go at 9am," said passenger Sulaiman Hossain. "I've been waiting here for two hours—not sure if it will even leave on time."
Sajib from Sohag Paribahan said their 9:30am Jashore 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."
Meanwhile, in Gazipur, supporters and opponents of the Awami League staged separate demonstrations this morning, though daily life remained largely normal despite reduced long-distance bus services.
