Staff Correspondent, Narayanganj

Ramadan begins with chaos! Despite efforts from the district administration, police, and city corporation authorities, Narayanganj city residents faced severe traffic congestion on the very first day of fasting. Major intersections were gridlocked, causing immense distress to fasting commuters.

Traffic police officials reported that the city became paralyzed from as early as 10 AM. Key locations such as the No. 2 Rail Gate, Kalirbazar Mor, Chashara Nur Mosque, and Chashara Roundabout saw heavy congestion with auto-rickshaws, CNGs, passenger buses, and freight trucks creating a mess on the roads.

One of those caught in the congestion was veteran freedom fighter Alhaj Nuruddin Ahmed, who had come to shop at the city's main marketplace, Digubabu Bazaar. Even inside the market, the crowd was overwhelming. Later, he found himself stuck for nearly an hour at the traffic-clogged Phalpatty rail gate. Frustrated, he remarked that facing such congestion on the very first day of Ramadan was unacceptable, calling it a failure on the part of city authorities and the district administration.

Advocate AB Siddique, president of the Narayanganj Citizen Committee, pointed out that they had warned authorities about the traffic issue before Ramadan. While the administration carried out some routine measures, they failed to address the root causes. He blamed the unregulated increase in auto-rickshaws backed by political leaders, along with street vendors occupying sidewalks, making it nearly impossible for pedestrians to walk freely.

Senior residents of areas like Galachipa and Chashara noted that despite Deputy Commissioner’s efforts to clear Mir Jumla Road, he has yet to take action against the chaos at Chashara Mor, illegal vendors, and the rampant presence of auto-rickshaws across the city. “Fasting citizens are suffering due to this traffic mismanagement,” they said.

Several long-time business owners near Chashara’s Khwaja Supermarket raised concerns about the unregulated use of space. “We can't even tell if the area in front of Khwaja Market is a road or a sidewalk anymore,” one business owner complained. “It has turned into an unauthorized auto-rickshaw stand, and traffic police seem unwilling to intervene, likely due to pressure from political figures. However, when a high-ranking officer visits, the police enforce strict discipline, proving that they are capable but lack commitment to everyday citizens.”

Rafiqul Islam Jibon, General Secretary, Narayanganj Press Club said, the city’s commercial activities are suffering due to persistent traffic congestion and street vendor problems. He highlighted that major entry and exit points, especially Chashara, remain blocked for long periods, impacting business owners. “Buyers are stuck for 45 minutes just trying to reach stores. If this continues, businesses will relocate elsewhere,” warned Mohammad Hatem, president of the BKMEA.

Narayanganj City Corporation Administrator AHM Kamruzzaman assured that efforts are underway to improve the situation, citing ongoing drainage renovation and the challenge of tackling politically backed street vendors. He admitted that controlling the growing number of auto-rickshaws is proving difficult, despite regular crackdowns. He also suggested that vehicles entering from Munshiganj contribute significantly to Chashara’s congestion.

The newly appointed Narayanganj Deputy Commissioner, Mohammad Zahidul Islam Miah, called for public cooperation in addressing traffic congestion, illegal vendors, and waste management issues.

A visit to the city revealed that ongoing drainage work along Bangabandhu Road is a major factor behind the congestion. Construction materials like excavators, bricks, and piles of dirt have taken up a significant portion of the road from Ukilpara’s entrance to Galachipa. Consequently, one lane of the road from Nitaiganj to Chashara has become unusable.

At 2 No. Rail Gate, roadwork further contributed to the traffic jam, with stalled vehicles lining up all the way to Digubabu Bazaar. In a desperate attempt to move ahead, some auto-rickshaw and mishuk drivers started driving against traffic along the narrow edges of the road. However, as soon as they encountered oncoming traffic, the entire road became blocked, worsening the gridlock.

Auto-rickshaw drivers justified their actions, claiming that they would rather take shortcuts than sit in congestion for an hour. Meanwhile, the lack of adherence to traffic laws among private cars, auto-rickshaws, and mishuks has led to growing road chaos.

Commuter Toufiq Ahmed noted that illegal stands and unauthorized vendors have already made movement difficult, and now the reckless behavior of drivers has worsened the situation. He warned that frequent wrong-way driving is a major safety hazard. “The police must enforce strict measures to restore order,” he urged.

Additional Superintendent of Police (Traffic), Ruhul Amin Sagar, acknowledged that road repairs are exacerbating congestion, particularly at 2 No. Rail Gate and the DIT area. He also admitted that since August 5, many drivers have disregarded traffic laws, leading to increased violations.

Despite ongoing crackdowns involving police, army, and magistrates, violations persist. “Many people simply don’t respect the law,” he said. However, he remained hopeful that once road renovations are completed, traffic discipline would improve.

Traffic congestion has long been a year-round issue in Narayanganj, with major roads like Bangabandhu Road, Shayesta Khan Road, Nawab Sirajuddaula Road, and the old Dhaka-Narayanganj Highway frequently clogged. Factors such as road repairs, illegal parking, unauthorized street vendors, and unregulated public transport have all contributed to this ongoing crisis.

Until authorities take decisive action to enforce traffic laws, regulate street vendors, and complete infrastructure projects efficiently, Narayanganj’s residents and businesses will continue to suffer the consequences of poor urban management.