Dhaka dwellers struggle amid daily disruptions

A look through the pages of history reveals that Dhaka has always been a center of political and social movements. From the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857 to the formation of the All-India Muslim League in 1906, from the Language Movement of 1952 and the mass uprising of 1969 to the anti-autocracy movement of 1990—Dhaka has stood at the forefront of every significant turning point. However, more than five decades after independence, today’s Dhaka appears to have become even more of a “city of protests.”

Since the fall of the Awami League government on August 5, 2024, the capital has seen an almost constant wave of protests. While these movements aim to promote democratic practice and secure citizens’ rights, they are also causing severe disruptions to daily life. Political rallies and assemblies have only added to the situation.

In the past nine months alone, Dhaka has witnessed at least 350 public demonstrations of varying sizes. Notable among them are the rickshaw pullers’ protests, demands by audit officers for better grades and salary structures, movements to raise the age limit for government jobs to 35, calls from Ansar personnel for permanent employment, protests by subordinate police officials, demonstrations by railway security forces, and demands from madrasa and general teachers for dignified wages. There have also been high-profile protests such as the Shahbagh blockade demanding justice for the murder of Samya, the siege of the Jamuna TV office calling for a ban on the Awami League, the City Corporation siege following a court verdict not declaring Ishraque Ahmed mayor, rallies for the release of Jamaat leader ATM Azhar, and the Chhatra Dal’s youth gatherings.

Most protesters claim they have been long deprived and subjected to discrimination, leaving them with no choice but to take to the streets to demand their rights. Sometimes organized under banners and sometimes spontaneously, protestors occupy key roads and intersections—leading to massive traffic congestion and unending suffering. The unbearable summer heat has only worsened the situation. Even the usually convenient metro rail has been overwhelmed with crowds during these times.

Pavel Chowdhury, a private employee, says, “These days, if you want to go anywhere in Dhaka, you need to plan for at least three to four hours of travel time. Even that often isn’t enough anymore. I’m now thinking of leaving five hours early.”

It’s not just office workers who are affected—students, businesspeople, and even patients are suffering. Shah Jamil, a commuter, shared, “Anticipating delays, I got off at the Secretariat station on the metro and tried to take a rickshaw. But due to the protests, no rickshaws were operating. After waiting for half an hour, I had no choice but to walk to my destination.”

Businessman Md. Ekramul Karim expressed his frustration, saying, “This city is no longer livable. Three to four days a week, I’m stuck in traffic. I can’t reach my business on time, and I’m incurring financial losses every day. This isn’t a life worth living.”

Many Dhaka residents are visibly dissatisfied with how these frequent protests are impacting everyday life. While some sympathize with the just causes behind the protests, they argue that the methods—particularly road blockades and long sit-ins—are paralyzing the city.

Road blockades and continuous demonstrations have become a daily occurrence. It’s not just officegoers—patients seeking medical attention, students rushing for exams, and workers returning home—all are being affected in some way.

Ibrahim, who brought his ailing mother to Dhaka from Noakhali by ambulance, said the traffic congestion within Dhaka was more harrowing than the journey itself. “I brought my mother here for better treatment,” he said in frustration. “Now I feel like that was the wrong decision.”

When approached for comment on potential solutions, relevant authorities said that both the administration and the government are sincerely trying to ease the public’s suffering. However, with so many protests happening simultaneously, easing traffic congestion has become nearly impossible.

Md. Sarwar, Additional Commissioner (Traffic) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police, told Views Bangladesh, “Traffic police are working tirelessly to manage the situation. But the artificial disruption caused by repeated road blockades in the name of protests is something we’re actively trying to control. We’re also exploring alternative routes for commuters when roads are blocked due to large gatherings.”