Severe traffic jams in Dhaka amid political rallies

On Sunday, the first working day of the week, Dhaka faced severe traffic congestion due to multiple political events. 

Long lines of vehicles clogged key areas of the capital from the morning, with crowds of commuters waiting at bus stops for public transport.

The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) implemented traffic diversions to manage the flow around two major political programs: Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal's 'Student Rally' in Shahbagh and the Jatiya Nagorik Party's (NCP) rally for the 'July Declaration and Charter' at Shaheed Minar. 

Additionally, the 'July Jagoran' event by Saimum Shilpi Group at Suhrawardy Udyan worsened road congestion.

Abdur Rahman, a pedestrian, shared with The Daily Samakal at around 12:30 pm that he left his office in Keraniganj for Kalyanpur before 9:00 am but was stuck near Shahbagh by noon. Unable to board the metro at Sangsad Bhaban station, he resorted to walking. 

He criticised holding such events on a working day, suggesting political rallies could be held in larger venues to avoid blocking roads.

Between 8:30 am and 9:00 am, slow traffic and jams were reported in Shyamoli, Kalyanpur, Farmgate, Shahbagh, and Azimpur, with commuters struggling to board buses. 

Chhatra Dal’s rally participants parked vehicles in nearby areas like Mohakhali, Matsyabhaban, Paltan, and Gulistan, causing further congestion by occupying both sides of roads.

By 1:00 pm, public transport nearly halted in Paltan, Motijheel, Matsyabhaban, and Shahbagh. 

Chhatra Dal activists from outside Dhaka parked their vehicles in these areas and marched to the rally site, adding to the gridlock.

The DMP had issued a notice on Saturday, warning of restricted traffic around Shahbagh, Shaheed Minar, and Suhrawardy Udyan from August 3 morning, advising commuters to use alternative routes.

The convergence of political events, work commutes, and ongoing HSC and BCS exams has brought Dhaka’s road network to a near standstill.