Couldn't traffic be managed better?

Hours of traffic diversion and a few closed streets around Gono Bhaban create a traffic mess, causing thousands of city dwellers to miss iftar at home.

This is the picture when Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina hosts iftar parties at Gono Bhaban; whereas a prior notice and better traffic management can save the fasting commuters all the trouble.

It was no different yesterday when the Crescent Lake Road that connects Bijoy Sarani with Mirpur Road, was kept off limits to vehicles for about two-and-a-half hours before iftar. The road that links Mirpur Road to Rokeya Sarani near Bangabandhu conference centre was also closed beside Gono Bhaban, disrupting traffic movement even more.

The flow of traffic on Mirpur Road in front of Gono Bhaban was divided into two with a bamboo fence. One part was reserved for the party guests.

All these resulted in a veritable traffic chaos, leaving many on the streets when it was time to break the fast.

Minutes before iftar time yesterday, a passenger of a bus stuck in stand-still traffic was heard saying, "Had they told us about this before, I would have taken a different route and probably be home for iftar by now."

It was the same situation on Monday as well.

The police department was diverting vehicles and keeping roads closed without any prior announcements. City dwellers were caught off guard during the rush hours.

Many, including government officials, who use the roads were seen locked in heated conversations with law enforcers on Monday and yesterday. 

Vehicles of guests of an iftar party at the official home of the prime minister make U-turns near Gono Bhaban. This stalled the traffic flow heading north on Mirpur Road around 5:00pm yesterday. Photo: Star

Desperate to get home and have iftar with their families, they wanted to know the reason behind diversions.

When asked about diversions and no prior announcements, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Tejgaon Division) Biplob Sarker skirted round the question and said they always tried their best to ease congestion and minimise people's suffering.

Restrictions on vehicular movement when VVIPs are using the streets have become a regular phenomenon. Those using Kazi Nazrul Islam Avenue suffer the most. 

A parliamentary body is formed on Wednesday to suggest ways to reduce traffic congestion in Dhaka city. Star file photo

Often, part of the avenue is kept closed for 10-15 minutes due to VVIP movement, causing congestion on all roads around. Even pedestrians are not allowed to walk on the pavements or use foot bridges.

The government follows "the diversion and closing off streets" method and is yet to take any effective measure that could ease congestion or reduce the sufferings of people when VVIPs use the streets.