As the 13th parliamentary election approaches on February 12, thousands of Dhaka residents are leaving the city to return to their home constituencies, triggering a major public transport crunch.
Since Tuesday morning, overcrowded bus stops and transit points have been reported across the city, including Shyamoli, Shishu Mela, College Gate, Asad Gate, Arong, Dhanmondi, Bonosree, and the railway station.
Public transport availability on city roads is limited, with buses arriving infrequently and quickly reaching full capacity. Many passengers were seen hanging onto vehicles or rushing to board as buses approached.
Shamim, waiting at College Gate, said, “I left the city to go home and planned to catch a bus at Syedabad, but none are available. The buses that do arrive are already packed.”
Ershad Ali, a resident of Bonosree, told reporters, “I’ve been standing for hours without seeing a single bus. Many buses have reportedly been hired for election campaigns. What are ordinary people supposed to do?”
The transport shortage is mainly due to buses being deployed for election campaign purposes, fewer vehicles operating on regular routes, and traffic restrictions across the city caused by political rallies.
A driver’s assistant from Moumita Paribahan said, “Many long-distance buses have left Dhaka, and several owners have not deployed their vehicles on regular routes. This is why the city is facing a severe shortage,” he said.
KR/MHK