Dhaka - the beating heart of Bangladesh - is no stranger to political expression. In a vibrant democracy, the right to protest and assemble is an essential civic freedom. But in the past week, a troubling pattern has emerged in the capital: sprawling political rallies, demonstrations, and crowd blockades have repeatedly disrupted Dhaka's arteries to a near standstill, inflicting immense hardship on ordinary commuters, students, workers and businesses alike.
Across major intersections - from Shahbagh to Kakrail, Press Club to Motijheel - roads are being frequently engulfed by protestors, leading to severe gridlock, extended delays, and a breakdown in normal transport services. Even during public holidays, large political gatherings have paralyzed critical routes, leaving tens of thousands stranded in traffic jams hours longer than usual.
Multiple events staged concurrently have amplified the problem, with sit-ins and marchers pressing divergent demands - from employment rights and educational recognition to partisan political agendas - and unintentionally adding to the chaos.
For the vast majority of Dhaka's residents, these disruptions translate into real costs: income lost due to lateness, missed medical appointments, school delays, and a profound sense of frustration as everyday life grinds to a halt. Matched with Dhaka's already heavy traffic burden, the recurring blockades add an unnecessary burden on public life and economic activity.
We surely acknowledge that peaceful protests is a cornerstone of democratic engagement - a tool for voicing dissent, demanding justice and holding power to account. Barring citizens entirely from expressing concerns in public would be a serious curtailment of fundamental freedoms. But there is a clear imbalance when political gatherings and demonstrations routinely paralyze an entire city while unfairly penalize the very people these movements seek to represent.
It is time for authorities concern and political parties to agree on designated protest zones and clear timelines. By securing consensus on where major rallies can safely take placefar away from Dhaka's busiest traffic arteries - legitimate expression can also be voiced without inflicting hardship on commuters.
Ensuring effective coordination with the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) and city planners is essential. Proactive traffic diversion plans, real-time communication to commuters, and increased transport services on demonstration days can help mitigate gridlock. Though DMP has repeatedly attempted to ease disruptions, but better logistical planning with political parties would make these efforts far more effective.
We believe amid this somewhat organized chaos - political parties and civil society groups should commit to restraint. Public pressure campaigns, if not carefully managed, can inadvertently erode goodwill among the very citizens whose support they seek. Mass participation should never mean mass punishment for the general public.
Finally, it is time to strengthen legal frameworks that balance the right to assembly with the public's right to mobility. Transparent regulations on rallies, permit requirements, and structured protest calendars - developed in consultation with city officials and political stakeholders - can provide predictability and reduce ad hoc disruptions.
The least we expect to see is Dhaka's bustling streets converting into battlegrounds disturbing our citizens' daily lives. Lest we forget , true democratic progress embraces both freedom of expression and respect for public order.
