Traffic chaos as transport workers block Mohakhali roads

A clash between transport workers and students of Titumir College triggers the blockade

Transport workers have blocked both sides of the road in front of Dhaka’s Mohakhali Bus Terminal, causing severe traffic jams.

Around 1:30pm on Sunday, they parked buses across the road, cutting off traffic on both sides and triggering gridlock in the area.

Banani Police Station chief Russell Sarwar said efforts were under way to ease the situation through discussions.

“Some students of Titumir College, who were assisting traffic police, had an dispute with drivers and workers of Ekota Paribahan. Afterwards, senior police officials sat with the drivers and workers to resolve the matter.

“In the meantime, students stopped another seven or eight buses of Ekota Paribahan. In response, drivers and workers blocked both sides of the road.”

According to him, buses were parked across different points between Mohakhali Railgate and Tejgaon's Nabisco factory area to create obstacles.

Russell added that discussions were ongoing with transport leaders and Titumir College students to bring the situation under control.

In a Facebook post, Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s Gulshan Traffic Division said: “Transport owners and workers have blocked incoming and outgoing roads at the Mohakhali Bus Terminal area. Police are at the scene.”

The blockade has triggered heavy traffic congestion stretching from Banani to Tejgaon. Commuters were left suffering in the sweltering heat.

Jahangir Alam Sagar, a motorcyclist stuck in Tejgaon for over an hour, said: “They aren’t even allowing motorcycles to pass. Those blocking the road said police assaulted their leader. They’re saying they won’t leave until justice is done.”