Dhaka, August 7 (V7N) - In Dhaka, a scheduled victory rally organized by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) caused widespread traffic congestion across key areas of the capital on Wednesday, significantly affecting daily movement and public transportation.
 
Although the rally was set to begin at 3:00 PM, BNP leaders and supporters started arriving at the party's central office in Naya Paltan well before noon. This early gathering triggered gridlock in surrounding areas, including Motijheel, Gulistan, Kakrail, Malibagh, Moghbazar, and adjacent neighborhoods.
 
The rally route covered Naya Paltan, Bijoynagar, Purana Paltan intersection, the National Press Club, Matsya Bhaban, and concluded at Shahbagh. City traffic authorities reported a near-paralysis of vehicle movement beginning late morning, as small processions from different parts of the city converged toward the rally site.
 
By early afternoon, traffic pressure had intensified not only on the main roads but also in adjoining lanes, severely slowing movement in and around the city center.
 
Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s Traffic Division confirmed that multiple events, including the BNP program, were responsible for the day’s significant traffic disruptions. Assistant Commissioner of Police (Traffic–Motijheel Zone) Mamun Mia stated, “From around 10:00 AM, traffic began to slow on the Rampura-Badda corridor due to several concurrent programs. Link roads were temporarily closed, which led to increased pressure on alternate routes. The BNP gathering in Naya Paltan added to the overall congestion.”
 
In response to the traffic situation, BNP’s Dhaka North Jubo Dal former member secretary Mostafa Jaglul Pasha Papel stated that party volunteers were actively coordinating with traffic authorities. “We are working to ease congestion and ensure that commuters and pedestrians are not unduly affected,” he said.
 
Despite these efforts, the rally led to significant public inconvenience, exposing once again the vulnerability of Dhaka’s infrastructure during large-scale political mobilizations. The event drew thousands of participants and was part of BNP’s broader campaign to commemorate what it described as a milestone in its political journey.
 
City authorities urged political parties to coordinate in advance for such events to minimize disruption to public life.
 
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