Devotees swarm Suhrawardy Udyan for Islamic rally, paralysing Dhaka roads

Traffic has slowed to a crawl in parts of the capital. Many people are sharing their frustrations in traffic alert groups on Facebook

Devotees have converged on Dhaka's Suhrawardy Udyan in droves for an Islamic conference led by Tablighi Jamaat scholars.

On Monday, hundreds of buses and trucks carrying madrasa students, teachers and others began arriving at the venue early in the morning, leading to heavy traffic congestion throughout the city.

By 10am, roads around Suhrawardy Udyan were closed, with police placing barricades at Shahbagh.Traffic Sergeant Abdul Baten, stationed at Shahbagh, said that vehicles were barred from entering the Dhaka University campus. “The inner roads will remain closed to traffic for the duration of the event, and vehicles are only allowed on the outer roads.”

Vehicles are only being allowed to pass through the barricades for emergencies, with other traffic being diverted.

Areas from Doel Chattar to TSC are heavily congested, making movement nearly impossible.

The influx of people has affected surrounding roads as well, with traffic at a standstill from the Press Club, Matsya Bhaban, through Shahbagh to Science Lab and Bangla Motor. The gridlock on the thoroughfares has slowed traffic in other parts of the city as well.

Earlier this week, tensions simmered after two Tablighi Jamaat factions announced duelling events at Suhrawardy Udyan. Although one faction later backed out, police remained on high alert.

Additional personnel have been stationed at key points, and water cannons and armoured vehicles are on standby outside Shahbagh Police Station.

"Permission was granted for the assembly, and attendees began gathering in the morning. Additionally police personnel have been deployed throughout the area to prevent any disruptions," Md Abdullah Al Mamun, assistant commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police's Ramna Division.

However, the traffic congestion stemming from the event has left commuters dismayed. Many people expressed their frustration on social media, particularly in traffic alert groups.

“The area from Suhrawardy Udyan and nearby locations, including Gulistan to Shahbagh, Kakrail, and Farmgate, is packed. Avoid going out unless it's absolutely necessary. It’s a major event. Thousands have come from outside Dhaka, and everyone is affected,” Shahidul Islam Nihan posted.

Another user, Baishakhi Barua, wrote, “I don’t understand why they didn’t close schools, colleges, and offices today.” In response, Rasel Rana commented, “All gatherings and protests in Bangladesh should be scheduled on Fridays by law.”

At various points, police officers were visibly struggling to control the traffic, standing drenched in sweat.

Assistant Commissioner (Traffic) Shah Mostafa Tariquzzaman of the Dhanmondi Zone, said that hundreds of buses have been arriving from outside Dhaka since morning.

They have been parked around Shahbagh, Nilkhet, and Shahidullah Hall, occupying the roads and blocking other traffic.