The holy month of Ramadan sees a surge in vehicle traffic in the capital as people rush to break their fast (Iftar) with family and engage in Eid-related shopping.
The increased traffic leads to logjam on key city roads, making significant delays and difficulties for commuters, especially during peak hours.
"Traffic congestion is particularly noticeable near shopping areas and markets as people throng these places to buy new clothes and products to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr," said Abdus Salam, a resident in the capital's Dhanmondi area.
He added the presence of roadside vendors, illegal occupation of footpath and makeshift outlets further exacerbates the problem, making it difficult for pedestrians and vehicles to move smoothly.
Moreover, many people from other parts of the country travel to Dhaka, seeking seasonal employment as rickshaw pullers, street vendors, or domestic help before Eid which is also adding to the existing congestion.
Unplanned road digging before Ramadan is another reason for increased congestion in Dhaka city.
Ongoing construction projects, such as the Metro Rail, Bus Rapid Transit, and elevated expressway, further exacerbate traffic problems by narrowing roads and disrupting traffic flow.
DMP Commissioner Sheikh Md Sazzat Ali issued a public notice on Wednesday that any road repair in the capital city will require permission from the Dhaka Metropolitan Police from now on. Those breaching the requirement will be brought to book, authorities have warned.
Besides, the unregulated movement of rickshaws, especially in areas near shopping centers, is another cause of the traffic congestion in the capital, according to urban planners.
They said the authorities have struggled to manage the regular traffic on roads, and the increased traffic during Ramadan further compounds the problem.
Some proposed solutions include expanding public transportation, improving road infrastructure, promoting alternative modes of transport, and implementing better traffic management strategies.
Meanwhile, the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) on Sunday urged citizens to refrain from blocking roads and causing public inconvenience during the holy month of Ramadan.
In a press release, the DMP emphasised that Ramadan is a time for spiritual devotion, and with Eid-ul-Fitr approaching, economic activities across the country naturally increase. Many devout Muslims rush home after office hours to break their fast with family, contributing to heavier traffic congestion in the city.
The DMP also noted that certain groups have recently been obstructing roads under various pretexts, causing severe disruptions to public life.
