Dhaka gridlocked, Obaidul seeks public cooperation

As Dhaka has been experiencing traffic chaos due to Awami League rally at Suhrawardy Udyan,  the party General Secretary Obaidul Quader today sought cooperation from the city people to observe historic March 7.

Quader, also the road, transport and bridges minister, came up with the call at the rally as traffic management suffered a serious setback with the AL gearing up for the rally, to mark the historic March 7.

“Please be patient and cooperate with us in observing the historic March 7 day even if you have to face sufferings on the roads,” Obaidul urged.

A group of Awami League supporters entering Suhrawardy Udyan. Photo: Palash Khan

“Previously we held the grand reception for (Prime Minister) Sheikh Hasina on a Saturdays instead of a Thursdays considering the sufferings of general people. We even held the founding anniversary of Bangladesh Chhatra League on a weekend instead of on the due date,” Obaidul said during the rally.

This photo shows long tailbacks in Malibagh-Moghbazar area. Photo: Palash Khan

“But there are certain days, such as March 7, February 21, December 16 and March 26 that have to be observed on the due dates. .... I seek the cooperation of Dhaka people to make this rally a success,” Obaidul said.

Women supporters of Bangladesh Chhatra League, student front of ruling Awami League, marching at Dhaka University towards the entrance of Suhrawardy Udyan on March 7, 2018. The party will be arranging a pompous gathering and celebration of the day, where back in 1971, Bangabandhu placed his historic speech. Photo: Palash Khan

The minister also said that this rally is not just a rally of the party, it is a rally for the general public.

March 7 is being observed with much fanfare as the speech delivered by Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on this day back in 1971 has been included in the Memory of the World International Register, a list of the world's important documentary heritage maintained by Unesco.

This photo was taken on Kazi Nazrul Islam Avenue. Photo: Muntakim Saad

Since morning, groups had started to gather in and around Suhrawardy Udyan, where ruling Awami League is scheduled to begin its rally around 2:00pm. Awami League president and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is expected to address the rally.

All day, traffic snarls were observed through areas around Suhrawardy Udyan, as traffic police closed down Shahbagh, Kataban, Bangla Motor, Farmgate, High Court, Mirpur and some other intersections to facilitate the passage of the arriving Awami League supporters.

This caused severe tailbacks along Manik Mia avenue, Mirpur Road, Karwan Bazar, Bijoy Sarani, Paltan, Moghbazar and other adjacent areas, our correspondents on the ground report.

Hazera Begum, 40, who had arrived at Dhaka Medical College Hospital from Narayanganj to attend to her injured leg, told The Daily Star it took her nearly three hours to get there, whereas it usually takes much less.

Sukanta Kundu, a private service holder, told The Daily Star it took him two-and-half hours to reach Farmgate from 60-Feet Road, Madhya Pirerbagh, whereas it usually takes him about half-an-hour.