Severe traffic congestion gripped several major roads in Dhaka on Saturday, causing terrific sufferings for commuters despite the day being a government holiday.
It was observed on the spot that vehicles stuck at signals for extended periods in key areas, including Shahbagh, Dhanmondi, Paltan, Farmgate, Mirpur Road, Shyamoli, Mohakhali, Rampura, Badda and Malibagh. Even after traffic lights turned green, slow vehicular movement led to near-standstill conditions across these roads.
Commuters said the situation has persisted since the beginning of Ramadan, with similar gridlock reported daily on different city roads. Public transport users, in particular, have been facing considerable difficulties while fasting.
Abdul Qadir, a resident of Rampura, said it took him more than two hours to cross the Bijoynagar, Kakrail and Malibagh intersections while returning home from Paltan. “The situation has been the same since the first day of Ramadan,” he said.
The Traffic Division of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) attributed the congestion to a sudden increase in the number of vehicles on the roads. Officials said traffic personnel are working to bring the situation under control.
