Slow traffic on two Gazipur highways causes suffering for Eid travelers
Although the situation improved slightly by this morning, congestion worsened again as the day progressed due to the increasing number of passengers along various points of the highway
Heavy pressure of passengers and vehicles was observed from early morning on the Dhaka-Mymensingh and Dhaka-Tangail highways in Gazipur today (6 June).
As crowds of passengers gathered along the highways at key points, vehicles began moving intermittently, which caused traffic congestion in several areas, leading to suffering for travelers.
According to police, passengers, and related sources, around 50% of the factories in Gazipur announced a holiday yesterday (5 June), the last working day before Eid.
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As a result, a large number of workers from Gazipur and surrounding areas headed north together, resulting in an overwhelming rush.
Thousands of people began traveling last night, causing northbound vehicles to remain stuck for hours on the Dhaka-Tangail highway, especially in the Chandra area of Kaliakair upazila and nearby roads.
Although the situation improved slightly by this morning, congestion worsened again as the day progressed due to the increasing number of passengers along various points of the highway.
Vehicles slowing down to pick up passengers from the roadside further disrupted traffic flow and led to gridlocks.
Since this morning, the Dhaka–Mymensingh highway has seen heavy passenger pressure at several key points, including Tongi, Board Bazar, Chandina Chowrasta, and Salna.
Due to the intense traffic, gridlock occurred along a 7-kilometer stretch from Board Bazar to Salna after 10am, causing vehicle speed to drop significantly.
Similarly, the Dhaka–Tangail highway experienced heavy pressure in areas like Konabari, Shafipur, and Chandra in the Gazipur City Corporation.
The high volume of vehicles and passengers caused traffic to crawl, resulting in a jam that stretched nearly 10 kilometres in and around Chandra.
As a result, Eid travelers remained stuck on the highways for hours, enduring great hardship. Many, unable to find seats, were forced to ride on the rooftops of buses, trucks, and pickup vans.
Taking advantage of the situation, some transport operators demanded excessive fares, our correspondent reports.
After long waits without finding any transport, some travelers resorted to risky alternatives. Many women and children were seen traveling on open trucks and pickups.
Jahangir Alam, a passenger on such a truck, said, "What else can I do? I have to go home. I've been waiting for hours since morning and couldn't get a vehicle. So I'm forced to travel this way. Pray for me."
Billal Hossain, who was heading to Sirajganj, said he had planned to avoid Thursday's rush by traveling Friday morning. However, he found even more crowds on the roads.
"I've been standing here for over an hour and a half. Still, I could not get a vehicle. Even when I do, there are no seats. I'm in a lot of trouble with my wife and children," he said.
Bus driver Alam Mia, from Chandra, said it took him five hours to travel from Mohakhali to Chandra starting at 6am on Friday.
"I don't know how long it will take to reach the next stop," he added.
Naoujor Highway Police Station Officer-in-Charge Shawgatul Alam said this morning, "Passenger and vehicle pressure on the highways is increasing as the day progresses. We expect the situation to improve by afternoon. Police are working to keep traffic flowing and maintain law and order."
