300 Feet: The late-night haven turns barren amid security concerns

Since its inauguration in late 2023, the Purbachal Expressway, popularly known as '300 Feet', had become a popular hangout spot. 
The over-the-top roundabout junctions emerged as a new attraction for Dhaka residents, who barely have access to any open spaces in the city. Bike racing, TikTok shoots or late-night hangouts — 300 Feet, spanning from Kuril Bishwa Road to Kanchan Bridge, was host to it all.
However, a year on, the buzz has somewhat faded, mostly due to security concerns.
When we visited the place in March last year, we got a firsthand look at what all the hype was about. 
As evening fell and the lights turned on, the surroundings along the wide road began to come alive, with the crowd getting more animated. People gathered to enjoy the view, and some stopped to watch the beautiful sunset. At the same time, photographers were busy taking pictures of visitors, offering it as a paid service. TikTokers performed viral dance routines, while the youth held car shows late into the night. It was hard to fathom whether this was a public park or a multilane busy highway. 
But when I visited 300 Feet again on 15 March this year, the scenario had completely changed. 
I took an auto-rickshaw from Kuril Bishwa Road to Neela Market. When I got off, I noticed very few people around, just the constant flow of vehicles in all directions. Only a few young men were seen on one side, holding cameras and taking photographs.
It was 4pm. 

"As soon as the clock strikes 12 at night, the army patrol begins. It's not just the patrol; they close all the shops by force. Earlier, shops used to stay open all night. How will our business survive like this?"

Tea Stall Owner at 300 Feet

Crossing the street here felt like walking through a maze, but I carefully made my way across. I walked towards the food stalls along the banks of the Balu River in Rupganj. Unable to resist the temptation of duck meat, I decided to have my Iftar there.
Meanwhile, I roamed around the area. At Neela Market, the shopkeepers were busy setting up their food stalls as Iftar was just two hours away. However, there were barely any crowds.
From past experience, I knew that the place becomes livelier after dusk, so I waited for the sunset. 
But as the sky darkened and night fell, I noticed that instead of more people arriving, those who were there seemed to be in a hurry to leave. That's when I realised things have changed.
I noticed that more than half of the shops in Neela Market were closed. I asked the owner of a tea stall about the reason. 
"What can they earn till only 12 am?" he replied. He explained that considering the deteriorating law and order situation across the country, the army has taken a strong stance in this area during this Ramadan.
"As soon as the clock strikes 12 at night, the army patrol begins. It's not just the patrol; they close all the shops by force. Earlier, shops used to stay open all night. How will our business survive like this?"
I sensed the frustration in his voice. Observing the people around, I could tell that most of them were locals. There were very few visitors like me.
He admitted that the situation is indeed bad in the area, with an increase in thefts and murders. So the crackdown is for public safety.
The area has emerged as a hotspot for criminal activities that mostly occur at night. Just a month ago, a dismembered body of a businessman was found in a nearby lake. 
A youth named Nahidul Islam Rafi, who often drives along the road, noted, "Incidents of theft and robbery occur here. Moreover, once it gets dark, immoral and anti-social activities can be seen in the hidden areas under the bridge."
Rafi agreed that the recent murders have created a lot of fear. Since then, police and RAB patrols have increased significantly.
The road is also unsafe for vehicles and pedestrians.  
In December last year, a BUET student was killed in a collision with a private car. Despite being wide enough, reckless driving has turned the 300 Feet Road into a death trap. According to news reports, 74 people have lost their lives in accidents on this road over the past five years. In 2024 alone, 12 people were killed.
The causes behind these accidents include illegal vehicle parking, unlicensed drivers, unfit vehicles, speeding, and riding motorcycles without helmets.
Joint forces, including the army and police, often carry out surprise operations. In November last year, an operation was carried out targeting illegal parking, unfit vehicles, overspeeding, and other violations. A total of 119 cases were filed that time, and a fine of Tk2,70,800 was imposed.
On my way back, I saw some crowds on the main expressway, standing, taking selfies, and chilling in the cool breeze. But last year's madness remained missing.