Traffic situation returns to the usual chaotic state yesterday as long tailbacks are seen on Kazi Nazrul Islam Avenue at Farmgate.Photo: STAR

Just a day after a sudden respite from traffic congestion in the capital on the first of Ramadan, immense tailbacks frustrated city residents again throughout the day yesterday.
Commuters suffered the worst of traffic jams on Mirpur Road, Panthapath and on some other roads in Maghbazar and Malibagh areas for most of the day while traffic was also bumper to bumper on Kazi Nazrul Islam Avenue stretching from Shahbagh to Mohakhali and Banani.
The western lanes on Mirpur Road near New Market were also jam packed yesterday, although those had been quite free the day before.
Many vehicles were seen parked haphazardly on the street in front of New Market.
Many buses stopped yesterday far from bus stop curbs blocking traffic. Drivers of the buses showed no regard for traffic rules at busy bus stops and intersections, making matters worse.
"The traffic jam is more severe today compared to yesterday's as many people opted not to come out of their houses on the first day of Ramadan," Traffic Sergeant Abdul Aziz told The Daily Star yesterday.
Asked why they do not take steps despite flouting of traffic rules by bus drivers, he said they write tickets only during lean hours. It aggravates jams if we write tickets during rush hours," he said.
On Monday the authorities introduced 40 new bus routes in the capital and adjacent areas with some strict guidelines for bus drivers and crews, a few of the bus operators were seen trying to adhere to the traffic rules the day after.
But, yesterday it was business as usual again despite the renewed police commitment for enforcing traffic rules strictly.
Around noon hardly any traffic sergeant was seen enforcing traffic rules at busy intersections in central Dhaka.
Some of them were even found gossiping around 3:00pm near Bangla Motor while at least two buses were blocking traffic stopping far from the curb to pick up passengers right in front of their seemingly blind eyes.
On Monday, Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner Naim Ahmed ordered tough actions against bus operators who will stop their vehicles far from curbs obstructing traffic.