A massive traffic jam has formed on the Dhaka-Chittagong highway, stretching from from Langalband to the Meghna Toll Plaza, causing severe suffering for commuters who remain stuck for hours since early Thursday.
The situation has been attributed to the large influx of devotees attending the two-day Ashtami Snan Utsav, a major religious bathing festival along the banks of the Brahmaputra River in Langalband, Bandar upazila.
According to highway police and local sources, thousands of devotees have gathered in the area since early morning, leading to excessive pressure on the highway and adjacent roads.
Passengers and transport workers described the situation as dire. Abdur Rahim Mia, a driver of Tisha Paribahan, said vehicles have remained stuck for hours due to the congestion. Another passenger, Sattar Mia, reported that many travelers were forced to abandon their vehicles and continue on foot to reach their destinations.
Julhas Uddin, in-charge of the Shimrail Highway Police Camp, said that the traffic jam has spread from Langalband to the Gazaria section beyond the Meghna Toll Plaza. He said highway police are working to ease the congestion, though the situation continues to worsen as the day progresses.
