Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) yesterday (Aug 2) issued a public advisory urging commuters to avoid key roads in the capital today, as multiple political rallies and events are expected to cause heavy traffic congestion throughout the day.

In a notice signed by DMP Commissioner Sheikh Md Sazzat Ali, authorities warned that major gatherings will take place in and around Shahbagh, Shaheed Minar, and Suhrawardy Udyan. 

Vehicle movement, especially through the Shahbagh intersection, is expected to be severely hampered.

The Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) will hold a rally at Shahbagh intersection from noon until 6:00 pm to mark the first anniversary of last year’s July-August uprising. 

Meanwhile, the National Citizen Party (NCP) will stage a rally at the Shaheed Minar from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm, calling for the implementation of their "July Declaration and Charter."

In addition, the cultural festival "July Jagaran," organised by Saimum Shilpigosthi, is ongoing at Suhrawardy Udyan from August 1 to 4, running daily from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm.

DMP also reminded the public that Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) and equivalent exams, as well as the BCS examination, are scheduled across the city today. Given the overlapping events, the police urged examinees and commuters to plan their journeys carefully and allow extra travel time.

To ease congestion, DMP suggested alternative routes: vehicles coming from Sonargaon or Banglamotor crossings should avoid Shahbagh and instead use Hare Road or Minto Road; those approaching from Science Lab crossing should divert towards Nilkhet, Palashi, or Hatirpool via Banglamotor link road; traffic from High Court or Kadam Fountain should take Hare Road or Moghbazar Road; and vehicles from Kakrail Mosque crossing should continue straight towards Gulistan.

MN/