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Commuters suffered a lot on Sunday due to severe traffic congestion resulting from political and cultural events at different places in the capital.
From early hours, office-goers, students and everyday commuters found themselves stuck in long tailbacks, inching their way through major roads amid the scorching summer heat.
To mark the first anniversary of the July-August mass uprising, Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, student wing of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), organised a rally at Shahbagh from 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
The National Citizen Party (NCP) also organised a public gathering at the Central Shaheed Minar from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm, demanding the immediate declaration and implementation of the July Charter.
In addition, the Saimum Artists' Group has been organising a 'July Awakening' programme at Suhrawardy Udyan since August 1.
These events significantly increased pressure on the city roads and caused traffic jam.
Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) and Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) examinations were held in the city on the same day, contributing to heavier-than-usual traffic and slow vehicular movement.
With thousands heading to political gatherings and exam centres across the capital, pressure on key thoroughfares only worsened.
Roads near major intersections, exam centers and rally venues experienced particularly heavy traffic, leaving thousands stranded.
Office-bound commuters faced long delays and severe difficulties reaching their destinations.
Heavy traffic was reported across various parts of the city throughout the day (from morning to evening) including Rayerbagh, Sanirakhra, Jatrabari, Gulistan, Purana Paltan, Mogbazar, Farmgate, Shyamoli and Kalyanpur.
Office-goers were seen struggling to board buses amid intense crowding at the bus stands throughout the city.
"There's no space to even stand on the bus. Even if I get in, it's hard to say when I'll reach due to this traffic," said Anwar Hossain, a private service holder, while waiting at Shanirakhar bus counter for a ride to Farmgate.
"Normally it takes 30 minutes to travel from Gulistan to Mohakhali. The roads are completely jammed. I don't know when I will reach," Sohel Mia, a CNG-run auto-rickshaw driver, said.
"We didn't face traffic before Signboard area but after crossing that place we've been stuck in congestion from Rayerbagh- Sanirakhra and up to Kajla flyover," an assistant of a Momita Paribahan bus.
talhabinhabib@yahoo.com