When protest becomes a source of nuisance

For the past ten months, since the formation of the interim government, citizens have faced a nearly daily ordeal of traffic paralysis.
While organisers claim to schedule such events on weekends to limit disruption, the reality tells a different story. Protests have become a daily source of gridlock, public suffering, and the erosion of public peace.
Political parties and pressure groups often stage rallies on major roads, paralysing traffic for hours. A recent rally on the Dhaka-Aricha Highway caused an 8-kilometer tailback, severely affecting commuters and goods transport.
Similar demand protests -- by students, garment workers, or labour unions -- have repeatedly brought vital intersections like Shahbagh, Tejgaon, and Farmgate to a standstill. According to recent reports, Bangladesh witnessed 126 such demonstrations in the first five months of this year, 76 per cent of which were staged by various professionals.
These actions, while sometimes rooted in legitimate grievances, disproportionately harm the broader public. Ordinary citizens -- who often have no stake in the disputes -- suffer lost income, missed medical appointments, and heightened stress. With vehicle speeds now averaging just 6-7 km/h and projected to drop further by 2035, Dhaka is fast becoming unliveable.
Beyond lost productivity, these disruptions impact public health, road safety, and urban functionality. Businesses in Old Dhaka are relocating to avoid the logistical chaos.
Dhaka residents are not asking for much -- just peaceful weekends, predictable commutes, and access to essential services.
Political and protest groups must rethink their tactics. Protests should be confined to designated areas or institutional premises, not busy intersections. Political activity must be decentralised and relocated to divisional cities when possible.
It is high time we foster a culture of responsible protest -- one that balances the right to be heard with the public's right to live and move freely.

Anik Dey
M.B.A
Department of Finance
University of Dhaka
anikdeyfin@gmail.com