Commuters across Dhaka faced deep frustration on Saturday as Shahbagh blockade brought traffic to standstill, leaving thousands stranded for hours.
Unexpected gridlock sparked widespread public outrage, with many voicing anger at prolonged disruption to daily lives.
Blockade, staged by Jatiya Nagorik Party (NCP) demanding ban on Awami League, paralysed one of city's key intersections. Office workers, students and emergency service users were among worst affected, with long queues of vehicles stretching from University area to key downtown zones.
"I left my home in Mirpur at 7:00 AM and still haven't made it to Motijheel by noon," said exhausted banker stuck in bus for over five hours. "Who is responsible for this chaos?"
Social media flooded with videos showing people walking miles under scorching sun after abandoning vehicles. Ride-sharing services suspended operations in area, further worsening situation.
Viral video posted by Mahafuzur Rahman Badhon, MBA student at Bangladesh University of Professionals, showed young children holding sticks and directing traffic on Mirpur road near Shishu Mela. Badhon's caption read: "Look what those street trash pickers have started."
Public reaction remained sharply divided. Maizied Hasan Majumdar, software engineer at Shohoz, protested: "Since morning, I've been seeing Awami League loyalists flooding this group with posts against movement. Same Awami League that's made people suffer for 16 years, now those protesting to ban it are being labelled as beggars."
Mehedi Babu commented ironically: "Red salute to those blocking road in this heat. Nowhere in world are people as repeatedly beaten down as Bangladeshis. No matter who comes to power, it's people who suffer."
Several businesses in Shahbagh, Katabon and Elephant Road remained closed amid fears of clashes. Meanwhile, patients trying to reach nearby hospitals, including PG Hospital and BSMMU, reported severe delays. Zahidur Rahman noted extremely heavy traffic on Panthapath, with vehicles moving slowly on Green Road and blockages affecting routes from Aarong intersection toward Asad Gate and College Gate.
Critics like Saadat Eram from Mirpur expressed frustration: "There's limit to nonsense. Stop taking to streets and holding protests at every turn. If you want to ban Awami League, follow legal process."
Police presence was visible, but many citizens felt there was lack of coordination. University student Mahmudul Hasan said: "I support freedom of speech, but not when it cripples city."
Blockade began earlier this week following NCP's announcement to launch mass resistance against ruling party. Although intended as symbolic protest, sit-in has morphed into flashpoint of public discontent, highlighting both political instability and lack of contingency plans by city authorities.
BNP activist Faisal Noor claimed: "There's no crowd, yet police are blocking road. This isn't even government protest! Three groups have united in this so-called movement, none genuinely seeking justice."
Contrasting view came from Tahsin Sami: "I remember Shahbagh Gonojagoron Mancha protests never caused this much trouble. Awami League used to hold rallies every other week, causing massive traffic jams, no one complained then."
Traffic police officer Kamruzzaman reported: "Closing Kakoli crossing has significantly reduced traffic congestion in this area. Thanks to Gulshan Traffic Division."
As frustration grows, citizens demand urgent action from both government and protesters to resolve stalemate. With traffic at breaking point and public patience wearing thin, Shahbagh has once again become epicentre of political turbulence and public suffering.
NRE/HKJ
