Public transport sparse as battery-run rickshaws clog Dhaka traffic amid Jamaat rally

Traffic congestion has flared up in parts of Dhaka as Jamaat-e-Islami stages a rally at Suhrawardy Udyan, with the situation compounded by a flood of battery-powered rickshaws and limited public transport.

Though public buses were fewer in number, Dhaka’s roads, especially around Suhrawardy Udyan, witnessed heavy traffic pressure on Saturday, a weekly holiday.

Many Jamaat activists from outside the city were forced to disembark from long-haul buses well before the rally venue and travel the rest of the way by rickshaw or on foot.

Traffic around the main roads near Shahbagh, Matsya Bhaban, and Paltan areas slowed to a crawl, with makeshift transport arrangements taking over in the absence of normal bus services.

Md Imran, a Jamaat volunteer stationed at the Matsya Bhaban intersection, said that vehicular movement was entirely restricted from Shahbagh to Paltan from early morning, with authorities allowing only rickshaws to operate in the area.

"We’re trying to prevent the rickshaws from creating more blockages," he said.

Md Shafiqul Islam, deputy commissioner of Traffic for the Ramna Division, said long-route buses carrying Jamaat supporters were not allowed into the heart of the capital.

"We’re trying to ensure outside vehicles don’t disrupt Dhaka’s traffic. Buses from outside are parking at the old Trade Fair ground and other distant spots, so people can walk in. From there, the passengers either walked or took rickshaws to reach Suhrawardy Udyan," he said.

Kazi Romana Nasrin, additional deputy commissioner, said: "We untangled the morning congestion to some extent. Large buses weren’t allowed in, and people walked from a distance. We also gave some diversions. A rally this big will naturally affect the roads."

A long tailback was seen in Tejgaon’s Sat Rasta. Shahporan, an assistant with Azmeri Paribahan, said: "The jam started after the Bijoy Sarani flyover. The road ahead looks clear, but processions caused vehicles to stack up."

Congestion was also reported around the Science Laboratory, Banglamotor, Moghbazar, Paltan, and Chankharpul.

Md Rafiqul Islam, Tejgaon Traffic Police deputy commissioner, said local traffic was low due to the weekend, but a large number of buses entered from outside.

"Participants are marching from these buses in throngs. The parked buses also added pressure on the roads."

Attaching Google Map denoting traffic zones, Jamaat’s Facebook page posted a traffic alert, saying: "We sincerely apologise to the city residents for the temporary inconvenience caused by the rally."

On Friday, Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar apologised in advance for the expected congestion.

"Millions entering will cause traffic and some public suffering. I ask for forgiveness on behalf of our Ameer (party chief). This hardship is for the nation. We hope people will bear it and forgive any unintentional missteps," he said.

Although Jamaat volunteers attempted to manage rickshaw flows and pedestrian access, several choke points developed across major city arteries by midday. Motorists and commuters in and around Shahbagh, Topkhana Road, and the Dhaka University areas experienced prolonged delays.

By noon, thousands of Jamaat activists had gathered inside and around the Suhrawardy Udyan area. Loudspeakers, banners, and makeshift canopies were set up by party organisers, with several volunteers assigned to guide participants to designated zones.

Despite the congested roads, no major untoward incident was reported in the vicinity of the rally by early afternoon.

Police said they deployed adequate security around the rally site. Officers were posted at key intersections, with plainclothes and uniformed personnel around Suhrawardy Udyan.

DMP Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Talebur Rahman said, "Adequate security arrangements have been made. Our personnel are on site and alert to prevent any untoward incident."

The rally is being held to demand a level playing field and six other points ahead of the next election. It is the Jamaat’s first rally at Suhrawardy Udyan.

As of 2pm, traffic remained heavy around the rally site, while nearby areas such as Farmgate, Shahbagh, and Matsya Bhaban saw traffic flow start to ease.

Traffic officials said full normalcy would return only after the rally concluded and participants vacated the premises and surrounding streets.