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Severe tailback, following simultaneous rallies organised by two major political parties, crippled many important city roads on Wednesday, causing immense sufferings to the commuters.
Besides, small to moderate rainfall also contributed to the woes of many working people and commoners.
Vehicles on the roads, particularly in the capital's southern part surrounding Gulistan and Paltan, remained stuck for a long period, as the Bangladesh Awami League and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party held rallies there.
Many commuters were seen walking a long distance to reach their destinations, leaving vehicles behind.
"I waited for almost half an hour at Shahbag intersection. Then I got off the bus and started walking towards Paltan," said Shajahan Ali, a private sector official.
He had to cover nearly two-kilometre distance on foot.
"On one hand, there was limited number of public transports, on the other, they had to face severe gridlock," he added.
The traffic congestion started getting worse around the noon, when majority of leaders and activists of both the parties were moving towards their respective venues from different parts of the city and its adjacent areas.
Leaders and activists in small groups were crowding along the roads, which also halted vehicular movements.
The road between Kakrail and Fakirapool intersections, and south side of Baitul Mukarram Mosque remained completely closed, causing nagging traffic congestion in Motijheel, Dainik Bangla, Fakirapool, Paltan, Kakrail and Shahbag areas.
Public and private vehicles, including bus, car, CNG-run three-wheelers, rickshaws and motorcycles, remained stranded for a long.
Jamilur Rahman, a small entrepreneur, was seen struggling to reach Fakirapool for his business purpose.
"I got off from the bus in the middle of the flyover near Mouchak and started walking to my destination," he told the FE in Kakrail intersection at around 3:00 pm.
Mr Rahman had no alternative but to reach Fakirapool for his business. It was difficult to walk since many commuters along with political leaders and activists were occupying the streets.
Unlike him, many commuters went back home, as they failed to board on vehicles or were unable to walk for a long distance.
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