BCL rally at DU leads to traffic chaos

Vehicles stand in a long queue on a street at Kakrail in Dhaka on Saturday, January 3, 2015. Photo: Palash Khan

Thousands of commuters suffered immensely today, thanks to a rally organised by pro-Awami League student body Chhatra League on the Dhaka University campus in the capital causing huge traffic gridlock.

BCL organised the rally marking its 67th founding anniversary.

The law enforcers were seen to halt the normal traffic, ensuring smooth plying of pickup vans, buses, trucks and other modes of transport carrying rally participants to the venue.

The road from Matsya Bhaban to Katabon intersection connecting two major thoroughfares -- Kazi Nazrul Islam Avenue and Mirpur Road -- was closed for hours in the afternoon, which forced thousands of vehicles to make detours to reach their destinations.

Due to the backlog, many passengers got down from vehicles including buses and CNG-run-auto-rickshaws and went on foot to lessen their sufferings.

Omar Faruq, a motorcyclist, said law enforcers refused him to use the road stretching from Matsya Bhaban to Ruposhi Bangla Hotel in the capital. “Finally, I got out of the chaos through Nayapaltan road. I had to face over half-an-hour delay due to the traffic chaos.”