Online Report
Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has issued traffic restrictions and alternate route advisories for Sunday, due to multiple political gatherings and cultural events likely to cause heavy traffic congestion in key areas of the capital.
According to a DMP notification signed by Commissioner Sheikh Mohammad Sajjat Ali on Saturday, major congestion is expected around Shahbagh, Central Shaheed Minar, and Suhrawardy Udyan due to large-scale gatherings. Authorities have advised avoiding these areas from noon to 6 PM.
The Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (BNP’s student wing) will hold a student rally at Shahbagh intersection from 12 PM to 6 PM, marking the first anniversary of the July-August uprising, mourning, and victory.
Simultaneously, the National Citizens Party (NCP) is set to organize a mass rally from 3 PM to 6 PM at the Central Shaheed Minar, demanding implementation of the “July Declaration and Charter.”
Cultural organization Saimum Shilpigoshthi is also hosting the “July Jagaran” festival at Suhrawardy Udyan from 10 AM to 10 PM daily through August 4.
Meanwhile, Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) and Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) exams are scheduled to take place across the city on Sunday, prompting DMP to request candidates to allow extra travel time to reach their exam centers.
Alternate Routes and Diversions Announced by DMP:
1. Hotel Intercontinental Intersection: Vehicles from the north should avoid heading straight toward Shahbagh and instead turn left via Hare Road/Mintu Road.
2. Katabon Intersection: Westbound traffic should avoid Shahbagh by turning right toward Nilkhet/Palashi or left toward Sonargaon (Hatirpool) Road and Banglamotor Link Road.
3. Matsya Bhaban Intersection: Traffic from High Court/Kadam Fountain should use Hare Road or Shaheed Captain Mansur Ali Avenue instead of heading toward Shahbagh.
4. Kakrail Mosque Intersection: Northbound vehicles should bypass Shahbagh by continuing toward Gulistan or Dhaka University via High Court.
5. TSC/Raju Sculpture Intersection: Vehicles from Nilkhet or Doel Chattar should avoid Shahbagh and use alternative nearby routes.
6. Roads near Shaheed Minar and Suhrawardy Udyan: Commuters are advised to avoid these roads unless necessary.
DMP has urged the public to cooperate with the temporary traffic regulations to ensure safety and mobility during the day’s events.