Deserted streets as Dhaka braces for duelling political rallies

On the day of duelling rallies by the country's two main political parties, an air of anxiety permeated the streets of Dhaka city.

Buses have been noticeably absent from the city roads on Saturday morning. While rickshaws and autorickshaws are available, there's a dearth of cars.

Desperate commuters were seen at various junctures, waiting in the hope of finding transportation. Police maintained a vigilant presence at key intersections throughout the city.

The BNP is set to stage a mass rally in Naya Paltan in the afternoon to press for the formation of a non-partisan caretaker government to oversee the upcoming national election.

A considerable number of party leaders and activists gathered outside the party's central office on Friday evening. In the morning, BNP loyalists from various parts were seen making their way to Naya Paltan.

In tandem with the BNP, 37 other parties are planning to hold gatherings in Dhaka. These events will take place in various areas, including Bijoy Nagar, the Press Club, Karwan Bazar, Arambagh, and Purana Paltan.

While the Jamaat-e-Islami has not formally allied itself with the BNP, it is planning a rally at the Shapla intersection in Motijheel to demand the release of its leaders and the establishment of a caretaker government.

However, the police have prohibited their assembly, placing barricades on the road near the Shapla intersection since the morning.

In response to the BNP's programme, the ruling Awami League will also hold a 'peace rally' in the afternoon. Preparations for the event have been underway at the south gate of the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque since Friday night.

Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader has emphasised their determination to "hold the ground" at any cost as he pointed to "numerous conspiracies" aimed at hindering Bangladesh's progress.

"We are prepared to make sacrifices and will not abandon the field. This is another Liberation War for Bangladesh, and we can emerge victorious by remaining united," he said at a press briefing on Friday.

TRANSPORT SCARCITY FRUSTRATES RESIDENTS

Residents of Dhaka have witnessed concurrent gatherings by both political parties many times in the past year. However, as both parties seek to showcase their strength, there is an undercurrent of anxiety in the public consciousness.

Frustration mounted on Friday as people encountered a scarcity of transportation. Many had to cancel their plans due to the limited availability of or the suspension of bus services.

Saturday morning painted a stark image of the city with noticeably fewer city transport buses on the roads, except for two BRTC buses operating from Mugda to Mohakhali.

This scenario played out in other parts of the capital, as transport workers cited the political rallies as a contributing factor.

At the Mirpur-10 bus stand, Jewel Mahmud waited for the Moghbazar-bound Ayat Paribahan bus.

"I've been waiting for almost 40 minutes, but the bus hasn't arrived yet. Normally, it comes every 10 minutes."

A handful of buses were operating on routes from Mirpur to Sayedabad, Azimpur and Sadarghat.

"Most of the vehicles are parked in the garage due to concerns about potential disruptions stemming from the rallies. The roads are also devoid of passengers," said Parvez Hasan, a bus driver.

The scarcity of buses was evident in the Mirpur area, where an Achim Paribahan bus, en route from Gabtoli to Demra, was diverted in front of the Sony cinema hall. Driver Shamim Ahmed revealed that the low passenger turnout was compounded by Awami League leaders and activists seeking rides to attend their rally.

"Three of our buses are stranded in Badda. I spent the entire day there without earning enough to cover the cost of fuel. It's more practical to keep the buses in the garage. That's where they're headed now."