Traffic gridlock in Dhaka as people rushing to hometowns

The whole Dhaka was gridlocked since afternoon today as many city dwellers were in mad rush to go to their hometowns ahead of the week-long nationwide lockdown.

The roads to the bus stands, railway stations, and launch terminal were jam-packed with vehicles and took unusually long time to reach the destinations.

People returning home after office had to endure immense suffering due to the gridlock.

"It is the last day before lockdown, people went for shopping to buy necessary things and even many are going to their hometowns. And the sudden rain and thunderstorm disrupted regular traffic movement" Shihabul Islam, assistant commissioner (Traffic) Sher-E Bangla Nagar Zone told The Business Standard tonight.

Assistant Commissioner Traffic (Darus Salam zone) Jahidul Islam said, "A road accident took place just a few meters ahead of Aminbazar bridge in Gabtoli. A woman reportedly died. Vehicular movements were stopped for around two hours for the accident."

Public transport will remain suspended from Monday as the government is going to enforce 7-day lockdown from 5 April morning to 11 April midnight to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus.