Traffic chaos during Ramadan

Traffic congestion seems to have become a staple item in Dhaka during Ramadan. On Monday, May 07, the first day of Ramadan this year, the streets and roads were clogged with traffic from the morning till a few minutes before Iftar in the evening.

The tailback was especially bad in areas like Motijheel, Paltan, Gulistan and adjoining areas due to a number of reasons. A group of jute mill workers of Latif Bawani Jute Mills and Karim Jute Mills in Demra blocked the road near Demra Staff Quarter area around the morning while demanding their arrears.

Additionally, in Gulistan, hawkers blocked the main road while protesting eviction drives against them on the day. Road repair and projects by utility companies initiated only this week further aggravated the crises.

This brought the traffic to a standstill. On the other side of the road, commuters were stranded. Some were seen frantically looking for any transport in the hot and humid weather. Many people reached their homes around 7:00pm to 8:00pm. Some had to break their fast in the middle of the road as a result.

Due to the increased demand, the fares on ride-sharing apps went through the roof.

I would like to request the protestors not to block the roads as it affects thousands of commuters. Maybe a different way of demonstration can help their cause.

Additionally, I would like to request the utility departments to not initiate work on different projects during this time of the year.

Akibul Javed,

Indira Road, Dhaka