Although traffic police have started performing duties on various roads in the capital from August 12, after about one week of work abstention due to insecurity after the fall of Sheikh Hasina government on August 5, traffic order has not returned to fully normal yet. In absence of traffic police, we witnessed many students controlling the traffic control on Dhaka’s roads.
Students were seen managing traffic on the roads in the capital and other parts of the country for the last few days. Students did a great job by controlling traffic in the last few days, but it should not continue for a long time, as there was risk for the young students. But the fact is that commuters travelling across the city are facing harrowing time due to serious gridlock. They are spending a lot of money and time as traffic congestion becomes ubiquitous.
Commuters are 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, virtually comes to a standstill from afternoon to late night. Traffic congestions were mostly seen in front of posh shopping malls where shoppers rush in private cars slowing down the movement of public transports.
All the arrangements made by the traffic department to handle traffic turned futile as the city roads are overcrowded with vehicles. If the authorities do not take any measures immediately, congestion will turn into nightmares.
All the arrangements made by
the traffic department to handle traffic
turned futile as the city
roads are overcrowded with vehicles
Traffic department blamed the commuters for the tailback as they neither listened to the traffic police nor obeyed the traffic rules. Therefore, traffic movement from Abdullahpur, 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 making nightmare for public every day. This gridlock impact also spills over the entire city thoroughfares including Banani, Mohakhali, Mohakhali Flyover, Bijoy Saroni, Farmgate, Karwan Bazar, Bangla Motor, Shahbagh Intersection, Motsho Bhaban and National Press Club. Since most of the 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.
The increased congestion in the peak hours is causing major headaches for travellers. The congestion begins in the afternoon and lingers until 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 the order in public transport 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. Only then, we people will get rid of such gridlock in the city.
