Strict security measures around the oath-taking ceremony of newly elected members of parliament triggered severe traffic congestion across Dhaka on Tuesday, causing widespread suffering for commuters.
The ceremony took place at the South Plaza of the National Parliament Building on Manik Mia Avenue. From early morning, authorities controlled vehicle movement on several key roads, leaving schoolchildren and people from different professions stranded in long tailbacks.
Many commuters remained stuck for hours, showing visible frustration. Some questioned how the public would cope if such hardship marked the first day of a government formed through people’s votes.
A visit to the area in the morning showed that the Asad Gate intersection near the South Plaza had been closed, with traffic diverted towards Dhanmondi. Despite diversions, only limited vehicles could pass through major signals and intersections, bringing traffic on Mirpur Road almost to a standstill.
The congestion stretched beyond Gabtoli and reached Aminbazar. Road repair work near the Technical intersection had already slowed traffic, but vehicles appeared nearly immobile since morning. Similar conditions prevailed near the College Gate signal. Vehicles from Asad Gate to Farmgate took alternative routes, creating gridlock on those roads as well. Many vehicles moved through Shyamoli and Agargaon–Bijoy Sarani in an attempt to reach Farmgate.
Some vehicles also diverted from Dhanmondi 32 through the Bashundhara City route to reach Karwan Bazar. Due to slow bus movement, many commuters opted for motorcycle ride-sharing, but traffic signals caused delays there as well.
A passenger travelling from Savar said the public was suffering to ensure “VIP treatment” for the oath ceremony.
A school student said educational institutions could have declared a general holiday if such tight security had been necessary, as roads were restricted from early morning for a ceremony scheduled at 10am.
Near Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital at College Gate, a man who brought a patient from Rajshahi said they had left early but could not reach the hospital due to gridlock. He added that even ambulances had no space to move and urged authorities to consider emergency services in such situations.
The heavy congestion pushed many commuters towards metro rail stations. Large crowds gathered at Mirpur 10, Kazipara, Shewrapara and Bijoy Sarani stations as passengers tried to save time.
A commuter waiting for a Motijheel-bound train at Mirpur 10 said he came there after failing to find a bus from Kalyanpur.
Taking advantage of the situation, rickshaw, CNG and motorcycle drivers demanded higher fares, citing road closures and traffic. With limited transport available, many short-distance commuters chose to walk along footpaths.
However, illegal occupation by small businesses and the use of footpaths by motorcycles and bicycles created safety risks.
Despite the disruption, some commuters expressed hope that city life would return to normal after the transfer of power. They also hoped for removal of illegal encroachments, clearance of footpaths and an end to prolonged road closures for VIP movements to ease public suffering.
