Several key points in Dhaka, including Farmgate, Bijoy Sarani, Karwan Bazar, Banglamotor, Siddheshwari, and Motijheel, experienced severe traffic congestion on Monday, as protests and the reopening of educational institutions brought the city to a standstill.
Protesters have taken to the streets in various parts of the city, making demands on a range of issues. In many locations, people have staged sit-ins, exacerbating the traffic situation. Shahbagh, in particular, saw a significant increase in congestion as protesters blocked the roads, leading to a ripple effect on surrounding areas.
Similar gridlock was reported around Ramna and Motijheel, contributing to a near-total paralysis of Dhaka’s traffic flow.
Spillover effect was observed on Pragati Sarani, with gridlock in both directions near Jamuna Future Park. Vehicles were stuck in long queues, particularly at Bashundhara Residential Area’s main gate. Nearby lanes connected to Bashundhara R/A, Pragati Sarani, and Kuril also experienced a heavy flow of traffic.
Classes fully resumed at all educational institutions on Sunday, leading to a surge of students and professionals on the streets. Adding to the chaos, the Dhaka Metro Rail service remains suspended, further intensifying the traffic jam.
The combined effect of these disruptions has led to widespread gridlock, leaving commuters stranded and creating a sense of near-immobility across Dhaka.