Awami League is not on the streets, yet there is unprecedented support for the ‘Dhaka Lockdown’ program

Staff Correspondent

Despite the announcement of the ‘Dhaka Lockdown’ program, Awami League leaders and activists were not seen on the streets, yet instead of traffic jams, a different Dhaka was seen on the last day of the week.

The capital is practically at a standstill due to the unprecedented support of the people. Although there are no Awami League programs or the presence of leaders and activists on the streets, the silent response of the capital’s residents to the Awami League’s call for a ‘lockdown’ has practically brought Dhaka to a standstill.

Since the beginning of the day on Thursday, the capital’s important roads were empty, public transport was limited, and the presence of office-goers and students was also low. Although the capital usually sees heavy traffic jams, today’s picture was completely different – there was no traffic jam on the roads, many places were completely empty.

Much less traffic was seen than usual in various areas including the Secretariat, Press Club, Gulistan Zero Point, Shahbagh, Farmgate, Mohakhali, Mirpur, Mohammadpur and Uttara.

Md. Delwar, a rickshaw puller heading from Dhanmondi to the Press Club, said, “Today I reached in 15 minutes, I didn’t have to wait at any signal. I never see this on a Thursday.”

Police, BGB and army personnel were seen patrolling important intersections in the capital since morning. BGB personnel were stationed in front of the NCP office at Hotel Intercontinental and Bangla Motor. Searches are conducted if anyone suspicious is seen or vehicles are found suspicious. Pedestrians’ mobile phones are also being searched to verify whether they have any contact with the Awami League.

Md. Bellal was waiting for a bus at Bangla Motor around 9:30 am. He said, “There have been very few buses since morning. I have been standing for a long time, but I can’t get one.” Anwarul Islam, a northbound passenger in front of the secretariat, said, “The number of buses on the road today is much less than other days.”

More than 50 police personnel were seen at the Shiksha Bhaban intersection. There was also a tight police presence at the GPO intersection in Old Paltan and Gulistan. More than 100 law enforcement personnel were deployed in the High Court area, and RAB and army members took positions in front of the tribunal.

Muhammad Talebur Rahman, Deputy Commissioner of the DMP’s Media and Public Relations Department, said, “Additional security has been provided throughout the capital. Strict surveillance is being carried out at important establishments.”

A notification sent from the BGB headquarters said that 14 BGB platoons have been deployed in 11 locations in the capital to maintain law and order.