Dhaka: The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has issued a statement urging city residents to steer clear of the Shahbagh, Central Shaheed Minar, and Suhrawardy Udyan areas tomorrow due to anticipated large gatherings and multiple scheduled events.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the statement highlights that a “student rally” organized by Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal will take place at the Shahbagh intersection from 12pm to 6pm. Concurrently, the National Citizen Party (NCP) plans to hold a public rally at Dhaka Central Shaheed Minar from 3pm to 6pm, advocating for the “July Declaration and Charter.” Additionally, Saimum Shilpi Gosthi will continue its “July Awakening” programme at Suhrawardy Udyan from August 1-4, operating daily from 10am to 10pm.
The DMP’s statement also informs that HSC or equivalent and BCS examinations are scheduled across various centers in Dhaka tomorrow. The converging rallies and events are expected to attract substantial crowds in the Shahbagh, Shaheed Minar, and Suhrawardy Udyan areas, leading to significant disruptions in normal vehicular movement, particularly at Shahbagh Crossing.
In light of the situation, Dhaka residents are advised to avoid the specified areas and adhere to the recommended diversions. At the Hotel InterContinental Interchange, vehicles from the north via Sonargaon or Bangla Motor Crossing must divert left via Hare Road or Mintoo Road. Similarly, at the Kataban Interchange, vehicles from the west via Science Laboratory Crossing need to take alternative routes through Nilkhet, Palashi, or Sonargaon Road.
Further diversions include Matsya Bhaban Interchange, where vehicles from High Court or Kadam Foara Crossing must use Hare Road or Shaheed Captain Mansur Ali Sarani. Vehicles from Kakrail Mosque Crossing are advised to proceed towards Gulistan or Dhaka University from Matsya Bhaban Crossing. At TSC/Raju Bhaskorjo Crossing, vehicles from Nilkhet or Doyel Chattar Crossing should divert towards Doyel Chattar or Nilkhet Crossing.
Residents are also encouraged to avoid roads near Shaheed Minar and all entrances to Suhrawardy Udyan. Dhaka residents, particularly those taking HSC or equivalent and BCS exams, are urged to allocate extra travel time to reach their examination centers.
The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has appealed for the full cooperation of all city residents to ensure smooth conduct of the day’s activities and minimize inconvenience.