A massive flow of voters, mostly garment workers and seasonal labourers, has caused severe traffic congestion on the Dhaka–Tangail and Dhaka–Mymensingh highways ahead of the 13th national parliamentary election.
The situation has created long delays and hardship for travellers returning to their villages.
The surge began after factories across Gazipur closed on the afternoon of February 9, coinciding with the start of a four-day election holiday. Thousands of workers set out for their hometowns simultaneously, pushing traffic volumes several times above normal levels.
By early February 10, long lines of buses, trucks and private vehicles were reported at Chandura, Safipur, Mouchak and Konabari. Passengers faced extended waiting times at bus stations, while transport operators reportedly hiked fares due to the demand surge.
According to highway police, managing the highways has been challenging due to the majority of personnel being deployed for election duty.
Konabari Naojor Highway Police Station officer-in-charge Sawgatul Alam said, “Most of our staff are assigned to election duties, so only a limited number are available for traffic management. We are doing our best under the circumstances.”
Additional Inspector General of Highway Police Md Delwar Hossain Mia added that more than 80% of highway police are engaged in election duties.
“We have coordinated with district police to help ease congestion. Normal operations will resume once highway officers return after February 14,” he said.
Authorities warned that traffic pressure could continue over the next few days, as returning voters try to reach their hometowns for the polls.
“The highest congestion was between 3 AM and 10 AM today. The situation has improved slightly, but some difficulties are expected until the peak travel period ends,” Delwar Hossain Mia said.
The heavy movement reflects the enthusiasm among voters to participate in what many are calling the “festival of voting,” despite the logistical challenges and long waits on the road.
NSA
