Commuters travelling across the city are facing harrowing time constantly due to serious gridlock since the first working day of the holy month of Ramadan. Commuters were stuck in gridlock for several hours as traffic in the city’s all parts, especially in commercial and office area, busy intersections and shopping mall areas, came to a standstill from afternoon to late night.
If the authorities do not take any measures immediately, congestion will turn into nightmares. Traffic department blamed the commuters for the tailback as they neither listened to the traffic police nor obeyed the traffic rules.
Those who had left office at 3 pm in the hope of reaching home early were stuck at one junction or the other unable to inch their way forward for hours in the last three days. Therefore, traffic movement from Abdullhapur, Sayedabad and Gabtali, city’s north, southeast, and northwest gateways respectively, to Gulisthan, Motijheel and other destinations virtually comes to a halt at different strategic points for hours long making public life nightmare every day. This gridlock impact also spills over the entire city thoroughfares including Banani, Mohakhali, Mohakhali Flyover, Prime Minister’s Office, Bijoy Saroni, Farmgate, Karwan Bazar, Bangla Motor, Shahbagh Intersection, Motsho Bhaban and National Press Club.
Authorities concerned must take
immediate measures to address
the city’s severe traffic
congestion problem
Since most city footpaths have been occupied by makeshift shops, the pedestrians and shoppers now have to walk on the main roads, contributing to the traffic jam. Besides, New Market, Panthapath, Mouchak, Malibagh, Kakrail and Dhanmondi areas also experience severe traffic congestions, as popular shopping malls are located in these areas.
So, the increased congestion heading into the peak hours is causing major headaches for travellers, with reports of people missing flights after being stuck in traffic for multiple hours. The congestion begins in the afternoon and lingers until the midnight, creating myriad difficulties for people entering and exiting the capital Dhaka.
It is the responsibility of traffic police, BRTA, city corporations and bus owners’ organisations to maintain order on roads and ease the traffic situation. The authorities concerned must take integrated, coordinated and effective measures to bring the traffic system of the capital under one discipline as early as possible.
