Jamaat rally triggers heavy traffic on Dhaka-Ctg highway
Long rows of vehicles carrying leaders and activists of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami were seen entering the capital through the Dhaka-Chattogram Highway via Jatrabari to attend the party's national rally at Suhrawardy Udyan. This influx caused severe traffic congestion along several kilometers of the highway.
The situation was observed in various areas including Kajla, Shanir Akhra, and Rayerbagh in Jatrabari on Saturday morning.
Most of the buses on the highway were transporting Jamaat activists, many bearing banners on their left sides displaying information about the rally. In addition to buses, a significant number of microbuses were also seen heading toward the venue. These vehicles were using the Mayor Hanif Flyover to reach Gulistan and then Suhrawardy Udyan.
Around 9:15 am, the traffic jam was reported to stretch from Kajla, Shanir Akhra, and Rayerbagh up to the Medical area.
Meanwhile, a shortage of buses was reported on several routes, including those connecting Dhaka to Narayanganj, Chittagong Road, Sonargaon, and Madanpur. At Shanir Akhra and Rayerbagh bus stands, large numbers of passengers were seen waiting for transport. Ticket counter staff said most buses had been reserved for Jamaat’s rally, resulting in fewer buses operating on regular routes.
Jamaat-e-Islami is scheduled to hold its national rally at 2:00 pm, pressing for the fulfillment of a seven-point agenda aimed at ensuring a free, fair, neutral, and peaceful national election. The rally will be presided over by Jamaat Amir Dr Shafiqur Rahman, with senior party leaders expected to deliver speeches.
Their demands include ensuring a level playing field for the upcoming parliamentary elections, justice for all genocides, implementation of necessary fundamental reforms, and the execution of the July Charter and Declaration. The party also seeks rehabilitation for families of those killed and injured in the July uprising, the introduction of a proportional representation system for national elections, and voting rights for over one crore expatriates.