15km traffic gridlock in Gazipur as Eid exodus begins

With most factories in Gazipur's industrial area declaring holiday ahead of Eid, homebound people have flooded the highways. This has caused stop-and-go traffic jams stretching approximately 15 kilometres on the Dhaka-Tangail and Nabinagar-Chandra highways. Allegations of overcharging have also been raised against transport operators.

On the ground on Wednesday afternoon, vehicles were seen stationary for long periods at some points and moving slowly at others on Chandra Trimohini, Nabinagar road and various sections of the Dhaka-Tangail highway.

Traffic pressure has also increased on the Dhaka-Mymensingh highway. Although no major gridlock has occurred yet, vehicle movement is slow. Concerned authorities fear the situation may worsen further.

Hundreds of workers were seen waiting for buses at the Chandna Chourasta area since morning. Many, along with their families, have been waiting for long periods without finding transport.

A worker heading to Mymensingh said, "I've been standing with my wife and child for two hours. Where three of us could travel for Tk 500-600 before, now they are asking for Tk 1,500. This is very difficult for us."

According to industrial police sources, approximately 2,000 factories in Gazipur declared holiday on Wednesday, most of them around 12:00 pm. As workers began heading home immediately after getting leave, passenger pressure on the highways increased manifold. This pressure may continue until Thursday.

Konabari Naujor Highway Police Station Officer-in-Charge Sawgatul Alam said passenger pressure has increased. Action will be taken if evidence of fare overcharging is found.

Dhaka Range DIG Rezaul Karim Mallik, after visiting the Chandra area, said the issue of fare hikes is being monitored. Action will be taken if allegations are proven.