Massive traffic jam hits northern part of city

A massive traffic snarl-up crippled the northern part of Dhaka city for several hours since Friday afternoon, severely affecting commuters passing through key areas such as Banani, Kakali, Gulshan and Airport roads.

According to eyewitnesses, the congestion was particularly intense around the Army Stadium, where a large crowd had gathered ahead of a concert by Atif Aslam, a popular singer of the sub-continent.

The congestion started to build up as large crowds, mostly teenagers, began queuing outside the Army Stadium ahead of the concert.

Movement of all motorised vehicles came to a total halt, causing immense suffering to road users.

One Sedan car driver told the FE over phone that he had never seen such a crippling traffic jam in northern part of the city.

"I've been driving in this city for many years, but I've never seen such a huge traffic congestion in the past," he said.

As the gridlock grew more severe, law enforcers resorted to baton-charging the crowd in an attempt to ease the traffic movement.

Such congestions also extended as far as the southern parts of the city.

According to eyewitnesses, the gridlock was primarily caused by the large turnout for the concert, where Atif Aslam, the Pakistan-born playback singer known for his work in Bollywood, was performing.

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