Political programmes and public sufferings

Traffic congestion is a persistent problem in Dhaka, a city with a population of more than 150 million. When the two major political parties in the country hold rallies on the same day, the traffic situation in the capital worsens. The city dwellers get stuck to hours-long traffic jam. These days both the ruling party and the opposition have been holding programmes almost every day in the lead-up to the 12th national election. Professional bodies and other organisations are also taking to the streets to assert their demands. Moreover, the movement of VIPs have exacerbated the traffic situation of Dhaka city. In a democratic society, any political party or organisation can hold public meetings and rallies to press home their demand. However, they must keep in mind that normal life should not be disrupted due to these meetings and rallies.

Whenever political programmes like rally, assembly or celebrations are held, it becomes impossible for Dhaka city dwellers to commute. In most cases, activists occupy all the roads of the capital city, causing traffic congestion for hours. Sometimes, traffic authorities, themselves, block city roads for these programmes. It results in the waste of thousands of litres of fuel oil and thousands of valuable work hours. In my view, political parties should think about common people's suffering and organise their programmes in a way that will not block roads. They can hold their programmes inside a stadium or at an auditorium.

Abu Elias Linkon,

Banasree, Dhaka,

lightening_sparkle@yahoo.com