Traffic Congestion Sorrowfully Acknowledged by BNP After 'Victory Rally' Event
In the heart of Dhaka city on August 6, 2025, the BNP Victory Rally led to severe traffic congestion, affecting key areas such as Shantinagar, Paltan, Shahbagh, Motijheel, Gulistan, Kakrail, Malibagh, Moghbazar, Bijoynagar, Purana Paltan intersection, and the National Press Club, among others [1][2][3].
The congestion was primarily due to the large number of participants who gathered early at the party's central office in Naya Paltan and the rally route passing through busy city areas like Shahbagh and Paltan. The early arrival of BNP supporters, starting before the rally’s official 3:00 PM time, triggered gridlock around Naya Paltan and Motijheel from late morning [2][3].
Multiple concurrent demonstrations, including protests near the Indian High Commission in Gulshan and a Jatiya Ganatantrik Party protest in Badda, compounded the traffic pressure [1][3]. The closure of link roads and the convergence of processions toward the rally route severely slowed vehicle movement not just on main roads, but also on adjacent side streets [2].
Traffic remained heavily congested for hours, with some roads experiencing near standstill conditions for two hours or more [3]. The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) acknowledged the significant disruption, confirming that the BNP rally was one of several events responsible for the daylong traffic chaos [1][2].
In response to the disruption, the BNP issued a formal apology, expressing "sincere regret" for the inconvenience caused to Dhaka residents by the traffic gridlock during the Victory Rally [1][4]. The apology was made in a press statement signed by Senior Joint Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi.
This incident underscores ongoing challenges faced by Dhaka’s traffic system during political events and the complexity of managing urban mobility amid frequent public demonstrations [1][2][3][4][5]. Despite discussions, political parties have not committed to avoiding such public disruptions.
References:
[1] The Daily Star. (2025, August 6). BNP Victory Rally causes severe traffic congestion in Dhaka. Retrieved from www.thedailystar.net
[2] The Financial Express. (2025, August 6). BNP Victory Rally: DMP acknowledges traffic disruption. Retrieved from www.financialexpress.com.bd
[3] The Bangladesh Post. (2025, August 6). BNP Victory Rally: Traffic gridlock in Dhaka. Retrieved from www.thebangladeshpost.com
[4] The New Age. (2025, August 6). BNP issues apology for traffic disruption during Victory Rally. Retrieved from www.thenewagebd.net
[5] The Independent. (2025, August 7). Frequent political rallies lead to road blockades in Dhaka. Retrieved from www.theindependentbd.net
War-and-conflicts or politics were likely discussed in the news coverage of the BNP Victory Rally, given the disruption it caused and the complexities of managing urban mobility during such events [1][2][3][4][5]. Crime-and-justice issues might have also emerged, as multiple concurrent demonstrations compounded traffic pressure, potentially affecting the general-news landscape [1][3].
