A prolonged gas outage that has plagued the Jatrabari area for nearly three months erupted into a large-scale public protest on Monday, paralysing the Dhaka–Chattogram Highway for almost three hours. Residents of Shanir Akhra, fed up with what they described as the “unbearable” gas crisis, took to the streets at approximately 2 pm, blocking one of the busiest traffic arteries in the country.
Carrying banners and placards, the demonstrators chanted slogans demanding an immediate restoration of gas supply. Cries of “We want gas!” and “Break the syndicate’s black hands!” filled the air as hundreds assembled on the tarmac. The protest was one of the largest public responses to the ongoing gas crisis that has affected multiple neighbourhoods in Dhaka South City Corporation.
The blockade quickly triggered major traffic disruption. A severe gridlock developed on both directions of the highway, stretching from Kanchpur and Madanpur all the way past Mayor Hanif Flyover towards Gulistan and Dhaka Medical College. Commuters travelling to and from the capital found themselves trapped in long lines of stationary vehicles. Many ambulances carrying patients were unable to move, leading to anxiety and distress among families trying to reach hospitals.
Patients heading to Dhaka Medical College Hospital and other major health centres reported suffering immense hardship. Some were forced to get out of the vehicles and walk long distances due to the immovable traffic. Passengers on long-distance buses remained stuck for hours under the scorching afternoon sun.
Residents involved in the demonstration explained that the gas crisis has affected a vast area—including Sheikhdi, Dania, Italy Market, Rasulpur, Kutubkhali, Palashpur, Jontabang, Shyampur, Merajnagar and Kadamtali—covering Wards 58 to 62. They estimated that around three lakh people live in the affected region, which contains between 200 and 400 multi-storey buildings relying heavily on domestic gas.
Without gas, families are unable to cook meals at home. Many have been forced to rely on restaurants and hotels, incurring additional daily expenses. Parents with young children, elderly residents, and workers with modest incomes especially described the situation as “unlivable.” The lack of a timely response from gas distribution authorities further fuelled anger among residents.
Around 3:30 pm, the police arrived at the scene and initiated discussions with officials from Titas Gas. After receiving assurances that the gas supply problem would be addressed and normalised soon, the protesters agreed to withdraw from the highway. Traffic slowly began to resume, though it took considerable time for the massive congestion to fully clear.
Md Abdullah-el-Baki, Assistant Commissioner of Wari Traffic Division, confirmed the sequence of events. He explained, “Local residents blocked the road for several hours due to their demand for gas. Police intervened, spoke to them, and eventually the situation was brought under control. Traffic movement has now returned to normal.”
Despite the restoration of movement, residents emphasise that their difficulties remain unresolved. Many expressed scepticism about the assurances, arguing that unless the authorities implement a long-term solution, they may be compelled to return to the streets.