Dhaka, Apr 05 (V7N) – A severe 15-kilometer-long traffic jam has formed from Kanchpur in Narayanganj to the Meghna Bridge toll plaza on the Dhaka-Chittagong highway, causing immense suffering to commuters and office-goers returning to Dhaka on Saturday morning.

According to the Highway Police, the congestion has been triggered by the mass gathering of pilgrims attending the Hindu Maha Ashtami Snan Utsav (holy bathing festival) at Langalbandh on the banks of the Brahmaputra River.

From early morning, lakhs of devotees began converging at Langalbandh, leading to heavy vehicular pressure on the highway. On-the-ground observations revealed that pilgrims crossing the highway on foot at several points — including Madanpur, Jangal, and Langalbandh — have significantly slowed down traffic.

To manage the situation, 20 teams of Highway Police are currently deployed across the affected stretch. Despite their efforts, traffic has barely moved, and many commuters have chosen to walk to their destinations.

The congestion has caused serious hardship, particularly for the elderly, women, and workers trying to return to Dhaka for work after the Eid holidays. With buses barely moving, passengers have reported overcharging by local transport operators.

An office-goer, Ali Hossain, said:
"I boarded the NAF bus from Kanchpur intersection 30 minutes ago to go to Malibagh, but the bus hasn’t moved an inch."

Babul, a garment worker, added:
"I’ve been stuck for so long that I’ve decided to walk to the factory. I don't know how long this situation will continue."

Kazi Wahid Murshed, Officer-in-Charge of Kanchpur Highway Police Station, confirmed the situation:
"The long tailback is due to the overwhelming number of vehicles and pilgrims attending the Langalbandh Snan Utsav. Around 20 police teams are active on the highway to regulate traffic flow."

Authorities have advised non-essential travel to be postponed, especially along the Dhaka-Chittagong highway, until traffic conditions improve. Travelers are also urged to remain patient as law enforcement works to ease congestion.

END/MSS/AJ