AL, BNP rallies: Long tailbacks in Aminbazar as police set up check posts

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Dhaka-bound commuters have been suffering immensely on the Dhaka-Aricha highway as police set up check posts in Savar's Aminbazar area ahead of the Awami League and BNP rallies in the capital, causing severe congestion.

Police were seen searching all vehicles, passengers and some pedestrians, reports our correspondent from the spot.

The law enforcers were also seen checking mobile phones of many of the passengers and pedestrians.

From Gabtoli a passenger, who wished not to be named, said, "During the check, I was asked if I was going to the BNP rally, whether I had talked to any BNP leader and if there is any picture of BNP on my mobile."

Many passengers complained that they were stuck in traffic at Aminbazar for over two hours. Meanwhile, some people started walking to their destinations.

Around 12:00 noon, vehicles were stranded on the Dhaka-bound lane from Baliarpur to Aminbazar bus stand on the Dhaka-Aricha highway. But the vehicles travelling in the opposite direction were moving at normal speed.

Photo: Star

Abdur Rahim, a Dhaka-bound passenger, told The Daily Star, "After being stuck in traffic for a long time, I started walking. This traffic jam has been caused by the check posts."

Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Savar Model Police Station, Deepak Chandra Saha, told The Daily Star that traffic week is on. "This is a part of our regular search. However, there is an emphasis on searches to prevent any untoward incident in the capital ahead of the rallies."

Shahidul Islam, additional superintendent of police (Savar circle), denied that police were looking through pedestrians' mobile phones.

At BNP's event in the capital's Nayapaltan, the party will formally announce its one-point demand for the government -- step down and give way to a non-partisan polls-time government.

On the other hand, the ruling AL will hold a massive rally near the gate of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque to protest BNP's demand.