With the holy month of Ramadan set to begin in a day or two, government offices have already adjusted their working hours. As usual, many people rush home after work to break their fast with family, but in Dhaka, severe traffic congestion remains a major obstacle. This year, even before Ramadan, the city has been experiencing heavy gridlocks due to frequent protests and road blockades by various organizations, along with ongoing road construction projects. Experts predict that traffic will worsen during Ramadan unless effective measures are taken.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) is determined to tackle the issue. Their traffic division has already implemented some initiatives, such as clearing sidewalks to improve pedestrian movement. The revised government office hours for Ramadan are from 9 AM to 3:30 PM, with a prayer break from 1:15 PM to 1:30 PM.

Dr. Md. Hadiuzzaman, a transportation expert from BUET, warned that the high volume of vehicles on the roads just before Iftar will create severe congestion. Increased foot traffic from people shopping and street vendors occupying sidewalks will further worsen the situation. He suggested removing slow-moving vehicles from main roads, enforcing strict regulations on roadside stalls, and shifting open educational institutions to online classes during Ramadan.

DMP recently held a coordination meeting to address traffic management and law enforcement during Ramadan. Officials emphasized deploying additional police forces to manage congestion and ensuring strict enforcement of parking rules. Unauthorized parking and businesses operating on roadsides will be strictly controlled.

A senior traffic officer noted that rush-hour congestion is worsened by vehicles leaving offices simultaneously, illegal parking reducing road space, and public transport stopping in undesignated areas. DMP will also regulate the entry of heavy vehicles into the city and prevent road repairs during Ramadan to minimize disruptions.

DMP spokesperson Muhammad Talebur Rahman stated that additional personnel will be deployed on key roads during peak hours to facilitate smooth traffic flow. Special measures, such as diversions, will be implemented to ease congestion. In commercial hubs like New Market and Gawsia, where shopping crowds surge, authorities will clear roadside vendors and prevent vehicles from stopping in the middle of roads.

Officials in areas like Uttara confirmed that both traffic and local police will work together to manage congestion around shopping malls. Market committees will also assist in traffic control. DMP has urged all utility service providers and contractors to halt new road excavation projects during Ramadan, as such activities worsen traffic bottlenecks and inconvenience the public.