Govt staff buses turn Karwan Bazar–FDC road into illegal parking lot
Bus drivers say they have no alternative but to park on the road after dropping off staff, as they travel long distances from different parts of the city
The road between Karwan Bazar and FDC intersections, one of Dhaka's busiest corridors, has effectively turned into a parking lot for government institution staff buses, causing daily suffering for commuters.
Every working day, both sides of the stretch are lined with nearly a hundred buses and other vehicles belonging to state-run agencies and companies, including Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution PLC, National Life Insurance Co Ltd, Essential Drugs Company Ltd, and others.
Although these buses are contracted only to transport employees to and from their offices, drivers leave them parked on the roadside throughout the day, reducing road space and intensifying traffic jams.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
Drivers and officials shift responsibility
Bus drivers say they have no alternative but to park on the road after dropping off staff, as they travel long distances from different parts of the city.
Some claimed to have received verbal permission from senior officials.
Raton Miah, a driver of a National Life Insurance staff bus, told The Business Standard, "I know this is illegal, but we have no other option. Our company has not provided any specific place to park."
A Titas Gas bus driver said more than 20 buses are parked daily in the area and that verbal assurances had been given by officials.
In contrast, officials of the agencies denied giving permission.
Syeda Atia Bilkis, general manager (general services division) of Titas Gas, said, "Our contract with the bus companies is only for transportation service. They have no permission to park on the roads. We will take proper steps against this practice as it is illegal, and we discourage it."
Commuters bear the brunt
Office-goers say the situation has reached an unbearable level.
The Karwan Bazar–FDC stretch is already congested due to wholesale markets, construction of the Elevated Expressway, the nearby rail crossing, and heavy commercial activity.
"Crossing this road during office hours feels like a nightmare. Staff buses take up both sides of the road, leaving no space for other vehicles," said commuter Shofia Khatun.
Car driver Humayun Sikder added, "More than half of the road is occupied by parked buses. As a result, traffic moves in a single lane. The suffering is only increasing."
Drivers say they often need an extra 20–30 minutes just to cross the one-kilometre stretch, while pedestrians are forced onto the road due to blocked footpaths, increasing risks of accidents.
Long-standing problem, little enforcement
Traffic police admit the problem has persisted for years.
"Most institutions do not have their own parking areas, so their buses occupy the road. Without long-term planning, the problem will continue," said a sergeant posted in Karwan Bazar.
The road is a vital link between Farmgate, Banglamotor, Shahbagh, and Moghbazar, meaning congestion in this corridor creates ripple effects across the city.
City dwellers and urban planners are calling for designated parking spaces for government staff buses, either inside office compounds or in multi-storey facilities nearby.
Md Mizanur Rahman, executive engineer (Zone-5) of Dhaka North City Corporation, said, "We generally do not conduct eviction drives against illegal parking. Our operations focus more on footpath encroachment and illegal construction. We carried out a drive in Tejgaon against truck parking, but not on this road."
