Unlike previous years when Dhaka experiences lighter traffic on Eid day, the capital faced significant congestion this year, causing inconvenience for city residents.
On Saturday afternoon, major roads including the area in front of the National Parliament, Mirpur-10 intersection, Dhanmondi, and Gulistan were heavily jammed. Motorists and commuters reported long delays, particularly during the return journey from family and social visits.
A motorcyclist traveling from Dhanmondi to Mirpur said, “The roads were clear in the morning, but I was stuck in traffic for nearly an hour on my way back.” Many passengers were forced to wait longer due to a shortage of public transport services.
Complaints about increased fares also surfaced. An assistant on a bus traveling from Jatrabari to Mirpur said, “During Eid, we are charging an additional 5 to 10 Taka as a seasonal surcharge from passengers willing to pay.”
Social media reflected widespread frustration over the gridlock. On the Facebook group Traffic Alert, Farhana Illin wrote, “Bijoy Sarani and Agargaon completely blocked!” Another user, Robiul Haque, said he was stuck in Agargaon for almost an hour.
Battery-powered auto-rickshaws were cited as a key factor contributing to the congestion, as their slower pace and frequent stops created additional delays.
The unusual traffic on Eid highlights ongoing challenges in managing Dhaka’s road networks, even on major holidays when the city typically experiences lighter movement.
