The expected traffic surge on Dhaka's roads was surprisingly absent as public and private offices reopened following the Eid holiday. While there was a brief period of minor congestion in certain areas, it was soon resolved.
A tour of various roads in the capital on Wednesday revealed lighter traffic than usual for a working day. Early in the morning, some traffic buildup was seen, but it dissipated as the day progressed.
Observations from several key roads, including Dholaipar, Shanir Akhra, Jatrabari, Syedabad, Gulistan, Paltan, Shahbagh, and Karwan Bazar, showed that traffic was significantly lighter. While the number of rickshaws and CNG autorickshaws was high, public transport vehicles experienced a decline in passenger numbers as the day went on. The city still seemed to be in a holiday mood.
A helper from Turag Transport commented on the unusual situation, saying, "People's pressure is still low today.
I can't find passengers. I thought the office reopening would bring many passengers, but there aren't many people on the streets. There's no significant pressure."
The city's entrances saw some minor jams due to incoming traffic, but these were brief and quickly managed.
Overall, the return to work after Eid did not bring the expected traffic congestion, providing a surprisingly smooth commute for those on the roads.