Dhaka and other major highways across Bangladesh experienced severe traffic congestion on Wednesday, 18 February, with vehicles virtually immobilised from 6 am to 2 pm. Key routes, including the Dhaka–Chattogram and Dhaka–Sylhet highways, as well as stretches of the Asian Highway, saw traffic come to a near-complete halt, causing widespread disruption for commuters, freight transport, and emergency travellers.
Field reports indicate that lines of trucks, covered vans, buses, pickups, and private vehicles extended for several kilometres. On the Dhaka–Chattogram route, congestion from Shonir Akhra to Madanpur stretched approximately 20 km southbound, while the northbound lane towards Dhaka saw a 5 km standstill from Madanpur to Kanchpur. Many vehicles remained stationary for hours.
Commuters described significant delays. Passengers at Kanchpur reported that the usual 30–40-minute journey to Madanpur took three to four hours. In some cases, travellers abandoned buses and continued on foot to reach their destinations.
Rafiqul Islam, a passenger on a Dhaka-bound bus, said, “I was heading to my office in Meghna Industrial Area and was stuck in the same spot for over two hours. The heat and smoke made the situation unbearable.” Truck driver Shah Alam added, “Damaged sections of the Asian Highway are the main cause. Slow-moving vehicles extend the queues considerably.”
Families were particularly affected. Chattogram-bound passenger Tanzila Akter said, “Being stuck in the vehicle for hours with a child is extremely stressful.” Rashed Mahmud, an employee of a private company, noted, “I was unable to complete urgent office work due to the prolonged congestion.”
Summary of Traffic Impact on 18 February
| Parameter | Normal Condition | 18 February Traffic |
|---|---|---|
| Kanchpur–Madanpur Travel Time | 30–40 minutes | 3–4 hours |
| Southbound Congestion (Dhaka–Chattogram) | Minimal | ~20 km |
| Northbound Congestion (Chattogram–Dhaka) | Minimal | ~5 km |
| Duration of Standstill | Not applicable | 8 hours (6 am–2 pm) |
According to Kanchpur Highway Police Traffic In-Charge Bishnupad Sharma, increased industrial activity following the election holiday has raised the number of trucks and freight vehicles. Additionally, several damaged sections of the Asian Highway near Madanpur have reduced vehicle speeds, compounding pressure on the Dhaka–Chattogram corridor.
Authorities have deployed extra police personnel and advised commuters to use alternative routes. Experts, however, caution that without prompt road repairs and effective regulation of heavy vehicle traffic, such prolonged gridlocks are likely to recur in the future.