Severe traffic congestion has gripped the Dhaka–Chittagong highway in Gazaria upazila of Munshiganj, causing immense suffering for commuters and drivers.
The gridlock began around 4:30 pm on Tuesday, stretching nearly eight kilometres on both sides of the highway from the Jamaldi Meghna Bridge area, according to highway police and local sources.
Authorities said garment workers of Chaity Garments blocked the road at Tipurdi in Sonargaon upazila, demanding payment of overdue wages. The blockade disrupted traffic flow and quickly triggered a long tailback that spread across the Gazaria section, extending up to the Bhoberchar area.
Stranded passengers and drivers described severe hardship as vehicles remained stuck for hours.
A passenger of Matlob Paribahan bus, Saiful Islam, said he was trapped near Bhoberchar after getting stuck in the jam. “I have been standing in the same spot for half an hour. The vehicle is not moving at all. I have already completed two trips today. I don’t know when I will reach Dhaka or return with passengers,” he said.
Private car driver Hasan Mia, heading towards Comilla, said Eid-related travel pressure had already increased on the highway, which was worsened by the blockade. “On top of increased traffic, the road blockade has created a long tailback. My family and I are facing severe suffering,” he said.
Officer-in-Charge of Bhoberchar Highway Police Station Shah Kamal Akhand said vehicle movement was disrupted due to the blockade at Tipurdi. “Highway police are working to normalize the situation. We hope traffic will return to normal soon once the workers leave the road,” he added.