After the government decided to reopen all educational institutions, Dhaka traffic has regained its former glory. The shift from online to in-person classes and work has highlighted Dhaka's inability to handle all of the traffic, and massive infrastructure development projects are not helping either.

People who must commute in and about Dhaka for livelihood are the primary victims, aside from economic losses. Common sense suggests that Dhaka traffic will only get worse during the holy month of Ramadan.

Commuters are facing never-ending traffic jams, and the rising temperatures will only make it more challenging. Summer is still ahead of us, and the heat is only beginning to get worse. There is reason to be optimistic as Ramadan approaches. Most businesses are adjusting their work schedules and hours to accommodate their employees.

Traditionally, during the month of Ramadan, Dhaka is known for longer gridlocks and waits in traffic jams. All of this could be eased if the government can communicate and coordinate with the private sector and enforce mandates that would relieve some of the stress on the streets of Dhaka.

Citizens of Dhaka are faced with yet another reason to be concerned – with price hikes of essentials and no relative increase in overall pay. The traffic situation in Dhaka is the single most significant time sink that causes the most inconvenience to the city dwellers.

Perhaps the authorities will recognise that the disadvantages outweigh the benefits and respond appropriately to the traffic problem, so that during this Ramadan people can breathe a sigh of relief.

The education ministry earlier decided that all secondary schools and colleges will remain open till April 26 during the Ramadan.