Blocking roads for programmes and rallies

It is a common sight in Dhaka now to see roads blocked and the common people stuck in traffic due to rallies or programmes of political parties. The situation is further worsened by the disparity of the number of people in the city, and the number and condition of existing roads. Thus, due to these unannounced programmes, rallies, VIP protocols or even mass movements by sections of the society, it is the common people who suffer the most.

The condition is direr during the month of Ramadan and the suffering increase for the tired people trying to get home in time for iftar. Blocking off major roads and intersections unannounced increases the already bad traffic condition of the city. These are public roads, and to block them, no matter what the cause, is an irresponsible thing to do, especially when done by political parties whose mandate is to serve the public cause.

It is also common today to see students, unions and other sections of public block off major roads in protests. While it is the right of citizens to ventilate their grievances, causing suffering to the general people cannot be the way to go.

It is imperative that the government take action to demarcate a separate area where programmes, processions and rallies can be held and the aggrieved can go to place their demands without inconveniencing others. We would like to submit to the High Court to take suo motu cognisance of the matter and issue a directive regarding the blockade of public roads.