Traffic disruptions in Dhaka caused by protests, road blockades

NN Online:

Today, Dhaka faced severe traffic congestion due to ongoing protests and road blockades by various political groups, along with heavy early morning rain.

Supporters of BNP leader Ishraque Hossain began a sit-in at 10:00 am, blocking roads from Nagar Bhaban (DSCC) to Kakrail via the High Court and Matsya Bhaban, leading to massive gridlock in surrounding areas. Law enforcement deployed around Dr. Muhammad Yunus’s residence to prevent supporters from approaching.

Meanwhile, the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) held a day-long sit-in at Shahbagh and in front of the InterContinental Hotel, protesting the killing of Shahriar Alam Shammo, a university student and JCD publication secretary, allegedly stabbed near Bangla Academy. They demanded investigation and safer campuses.

The National Citizen Party (NCP) planned a rally at Jatrabari Tower at 4:00 pm to call for Election Commission reforms and changes in local elections.

Adding to the chaos, early morning rainfall fueled by a low-pressure system from West Bengal caused waterlogging and delayed commutes, with some areas coming to a standstill. The Bangladesh Meteorological Department recorded 20mm of rain in Dhaka and forecasts suggest more rain later, though conditions are expected to improve. Many commuters experienced hardship amid the combined impact of weather and protests.