Dhaka lockdown: Passengers suffer due to public transport crisis

Staff Correspondent

The Awami League’s ‘Dhaka Lockdown’ program has led to a public transport crisis in the capital. The reduction in the number of buses has led to an increase in the number of rickshaws and battery-powered vehicles on the roads, forcing passengers to pay extra to reach their destinations.

This picture was seen in the areas of Farmgate, Mirpur Road, Dhanmondi, Segunbagicha, Kakrail, Banani and Badda since Thursday morning. The number of buses decreased significantly after 8 am, and many routes were without any transport for long periods.

Nasir Uddin, a passenger traveling from Mirpur to Motijheel, said, “Usually the bus comes every 5 minutes in the morning, but today I couldn’t get it even after waiting for half an hour.”

Meanwhile, many have complained that rickshaw fares have increased due to the decrease in buses on the road. Nazmul Hasan, a passenger who travels from Badda to Farmgate for 60 taka every day, said, “Today, rickshaw pullers are asking for 90 taka, they are not willing to reduce it.”

Although minibuses and Lagunas were operating on some routes in the morning, most vehicles were carrying fewer passengers. The number of private cars was also relatively low.

Police, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and army patrols have been seen on various important roads in the capital since morning. Law enforcement agencies are searching suspicious vehicles.

Traffic Sergeant Masud Rana, who is on duty in front of the Rampura Television Center, said, “Although there is less traffic in the morning, the movement of cars and people increases as the day progresses. So far, we have not received any reports of any clashes or processions.”

Meanwhile, the verdict date against three people, including former Prime Minister and Awami League President Sheikh Hasina, in a case of crimes against humanity committed during the July uprising is scheduled to be announced today.

The Awami League announced a ‘Dhaka lockdown’ program in response to the verdict. However, there were no reports of any significant clashes or violence in the city.

Sharmin Ara, an office-going private official in the Malibagh area, said, “The office was getting late, so today I had to take a motorbike ride instead of a bus. The fare was high, but there was no other option.”

As the day progressed, traffic on the capital’s main roads began to return to normal. However, commuters in many areas continued to suffer until morning.