Traffic jams, transport shortages hit Dhaka as Shahbagh closes for rallies
Commuters in Dhaka faced major difficulties throughout today (3 August) due to traffic congestion and a shortage of public transport. The problems arose as the Shahbagh intersection was closed for separate rallies held by Chhatra Dal and the National Citizen Party (NCP).
The rallies marked the anniversary of the anti-discrimination student movement from last year, which demanded the resignation of the Awami League government. This movement ultimately led to the government's fall after 16 years.
Both Chhatra Dal and the NCP, formed by leaders from that movement, organised events to commemorate the occasion.
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Chhatra Dal held its rally at Shahbagh, with activists arriving in processions from early morning, despite the event being scheduled for 2pm. Meanwhile, the NCP held a separate rally at the Central Shaheed Minar with participants from across the country.
Other factors, like a cultural exhibition by Saimum Shilpigosthi and ongoing HSC and equivalent exams, added further pressure on city roads.
Traffic was normal in the morning but worsened as the day went on, causing major inconvenience for residents running daily and emergency errands.
Imtiaz Jahan, who came from Mugda to Bangladesh Medical University with his pregnant wife, shared their ordeal. "We have been waiting a long time for a rickshaw. There are very few vehicles on the road. Sometimes a rickshaw comes, but when they hear we want to go to Mugda, they refuse. That's why we started walking with my sick wife," he said near the Hotel InterContinental.
"Political parties should not hold programs on the first working day of the week. Making people suffer is not politics," he added.
Shamim Hossain, a private-sector worker waiting at the Shyamoli bus stop, said, "There is no space to even get on the buses. Even if I get on one, I don't know when I will reach because of the traffic jam."
Although many roads had fewer vehicles than usual, traffic had to take detours around Shahbagh.
At Kakrail intersection, Riyad, a helper on a Shikor Paribahan bus, explained, "We usually travel via the Press Club–Shahbagh–Banglamotor route. But today, because of the rally, we had to take a detour through Matsya Bhaban–Kakrail–Moghbazar. In some places, it took longer than usual. However, there were fewer vehicles on the roads due to the rally."
Traffic constable Sarwar added, "All vehicles from Paltan to Shahbagh and Banglamotor were redirected through Kakrail. Because of this, congestion increased a bit on the Kakrail–Malibagh route. Some congestion is normal when there are rallies or gatherings."
An assistant on a Savar Paribahan bus stuck in traffic said, "It took a long time to get here from Gulistan. It's hard to say when we'll reach our destination today. But compared to other similar days, traffic was somewhat less because there were fewer vehicles on the roads."
Dhaka Metropolitan Police spokesperson Talebur Rahman said early public announcements and advice to use alternative routes helped reduce "unnecessary movement," easing some of the public's suffering.
Despite these efforts, traffic jams and a shortage of public transport were visible throughout the day in many parts of Dhaka. Evening rush hour brought even more difficulties for commuters across the capital.
