A long traffic congestion has once again developed on the Cumilla section of the Dhaka-Chattogram Highway ahead of Eid-ul-Azha travel, causing severe hardship for commuters amid hot and humid weather and slow-moving traffic.
Since early Thursday (21 May) morning, a long queue of vehicles stretching several kilometers was seen on the Dhaka-bound lane of the highway, from Putia in Elliotganj of Daudkandi up to the Meghna-Gomti Bridge area.
Former president of the Conscious Citizens Committee (SONAK) Cumilla, Badrul Huda Jenu, said he was traveling to Dhaka to attend an important event.
“Vehicles were moving normally from Cumilla to Elliotganj in Daudkandi. But after crossing Elliotganj, I saw a long line of vehicles ahead. I have been stuck in one place since 7:00 am,” he said.
Another passenger, Md. Mohiuddin, said he had been hearing reports of traffic congestion on the highway over the last few days.
“I thought leaving early in the morning would help me reach Dhaka comfortably. But now I’m trapped in severe traffic congestion and have no idea when it will end. The humid weather has made the suffering even worse,” he added.
At around 8:00 am, Iqbal Bahar Majumdar said a truck had overturned near the Meghna-Gomti Bridge early in the morning, temporarily halting traffic movement on the highway. He said the vehicle had since been removed and traffic conditions were expected to return to normal shortly.
With only a few days remaining before Eid travel reaches its peak, repeated traffic congestion on major highways is creating growing concern among travelers.
