Many people have already begun leaving the capital city Dhaka ahead of the holidays. With most government and private offices set to begin holidays from May 25, a sharp rise in outbound travel from Dhaka is expected.
At the same time, trucks transporting sacrificial animals from different parts of the country are entering Dhaka ahead of Eid, adding further pressure. As a result, both inbound and outbound lanes are likely to experience heavy traffic congestion.
As Eid al-Azha approaches, authorities have identified 94 congestion-prone spots across the country’s highways and rolled out extensive measures to manage traffic and ensure public safety.
To ensure smooth traffic flow and maintain security on the roads, the government has deployed an adequate number of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) personnel at toll plazas and key congestion-prone areas from seven days before Eid until three days after the festival.
Additionally, an extra 1,000 police personnel will be deployed in congestion-prone areas. To ensure swift response to any traffic buildup, emergency mobile teams equipped with motorcycles will remain on standby at every highway police station and outpost.
Confirming the matter on Thursday morning, Additional DIG (East) of the Highway Police Muntasirul Islam said, 94 congestion-prone spots have been identified along the highways. Traffic disruptions at these locations may occur due to ongoing road repair and maintenance work, narrow road sections, pressure at entry points, and excessive vehicle load at toll plazas.
He noted that any vehicle breakdown in these areas could trigger prolonged traffic congestion. However, authorities are working to keep the situation manageable through advance planning and coordinated measures.
He further stated that all agencies have been instructed to refrain from carrying out road excavation or repair work after May 25. Emphasis has also been placed on ensuring that construction materials or equipment are not left on the roads, and that all routes remain fully navigable.
Muntasirul Islam added that an additional 1,000 police personnel have been deployed from the Police Headquarters, with duties commencing from May 25. Emergency mobile teams equipped with motorcycles will be stationed at every highway police station and camp to respond swiftly to traffic congestion. Besides, patrols, public announcements, control rooms, and CCTV monitoring have been strengthened at key locations.
94 Traffic congestion hotspots identified on major highways in Bangladesh
The Highway Police Headquarters, through its Gazipur region, has identified 94 potential congestion-prone points across major highways nationwide, aiming to manage traffic flow and reduce gridlock during peak travel periods.
Dhaka–Chittagong Highway (25 hotspots)
Key congestion points include Meghna Toll Plaza, Asian Road (from Madanpur to Bostul), Dhaleshwari Toll Plaza, Gouripur Bus Stand, Amirabad Bus Stand, Chandina Bazar, Madhaiya Bazar, Nimshar Bazar, Cantonment Mor, Paduar Bazar World Road, Miar Bazar (both lanes), Chauddagram Bazar Dhaka-bound lane, Basic Mor, Lalpol, Koska Bazar, Samiti Bazar, Baraiyarhat, Mirsharai, Sitakunda Bus Stand, Boro Darogahat, Footling, Choto Kumira, KDS Mor, Bhatiari Point, and Barabkunda Bazar.
Dhaka–Tangail–Rangpur Highway (25 hotspots)
Identified locations include Chandra Flyover (western end), Square Kata, Kaliakoir Bypass, Safipur, Mawchak, Elenga Bus Stand, Korotia Hat Bypass, Jamuna Bridge Toll Plaza area, Banani Mor, in front of TMSS Medical Hospital, Mohasthangarh, Bogura–Dhaka Bus Stand intersection near Watch Tower-2, Noy Mile Bazar, Sherpur Upazila Gate, Dhunat Mor, in front of Nabil Hotel & Restaurant U-turn, Food Village Hotel, Pentagon Hotel, Pabna–Bogra–Rangpur-bound U-turn point, Hatikumrul Overbridge underpass, Bogra–Dhaka Bus Stand Hatikumrul intersection, in front of Hanif Restaurant, Chandaikona Bazar, and Gobindaganj Mayamoni Mor.
Dhaka–Sylhet Highway (21 hotspots)
The list includes the western side of Kanchan Bridge (Gausia-bound lane), in front of Green University (Gausia-bound lane), Rupshi Bus Stand, Borpa Bus Stand, Pakistan (ACS) Garments area, Sonpara, Velanagar Bus Stand, Itakhola Bus Stand, Golaya Bazar, Sherpur Mor, Madhabpur Bazar and surrounding areas, Shyestaganj Police Station area (Alipur and nearby zones), Ashuganj Gol Chattar, Biswa Road Gol Chattar, Islampur Bazar and Bus Stand, Madhabpur Bazar and Bus Stand, Durjoy Mor, New Town Mor, Borabo Bus Stand, Tarabo Gol Chattar, and Jatrabari Bridge area.
Authorities say these locations have been identified due to recurring issues such as road narrowing, market congestion, heavy vehicle pressure, toll plaza bottlenecks, and frequent U-turn conflicts. Preventive measures and traffic management plans are expected to be strengthened in these zones to ease Eid and general travel pressure.
Chittagong–Cox’s Bazar Highway ( 8 hotspots)
Eight major traffic-prone points have been marked, including Shantirhat Bazar, Gachhbaria Bazar, Gachhbaria College Gate, Keranihat Chourasta area, Paduar Bazar area, Lohagara/Amirabad Bazar area, Chokoria Bazar Bus Stand, and the Link Road.
Dhaka–Aricha Highway (7 hotspots)
Seven vulnerable locations have been identified: Hemayetpur Bus Stand, Savar Bus Stand, Nabinagar Mor, Baipail Mor, Dhaleshwari Bridge (Jagir), Noyadingi, and Bapuli Bus Stand.
Dhaka–Mymensingh Highway (7 hotspots)
Congestion-prone spots include Bhabanipur Bazar, Bagherr Bazar, MC Bazar, Jaina Bazar, Square Masterbari, Seed Store and Bharadoba Bus Stand.
Dhaka–Barisal Highway ( 1 hotspot)
A single critical hotspot has been identified on the Dhaka–Barishal Highway at the Mostafapur Bus Stand area under Madaripur Sadar Police Station.
BGB deployment at toll plazas and congestion-prone areas
To ensure law and order, BGB personnel will be deployed at toll plazas and other congestion-prone locations starting seven days before Eid and continuing until three days after the festival.
The deployment areas include major bridges, expressways, and strategic junctions such as the Karnaphuli Bridge area, Meghna Bridge, Gomti Bridge, Payra Bridge, Khan Jahan Ali (Rupsha) Bridge, Bhairab Bridge and Kanchpur Bridge.
Other key locations include Atrai Toll Plaza, Natore, Lalon Shah Bridge, both ends of the Dhaka–Mawa Expressway, Hanif Flyover, Baipail, Nabinagar, Gazipur Chourasta, Madanpur Mor, Kanchpur, Mograpara, Padma Bridge, Jamuna Bridge, Panchabati–Mukterpur Bridge area, and both ends of the Dhaka Elevated Expressway.
Security and traffic management measures
According to BGB headquarters spokesperson Shariful Islam, BGB forces have already been deployed at these key locations and will remain in place until three days after Eid.
He said the deployment aims to reduce long traffic congestion on highways, manage vehicle pressure at toll plazas, and strengthen surveillance to prevent theft and mugging incidents during the Eid travel surge.
