Dhaka,   Thursday 03 April 2025

Millions leave Dhaka city for Eid, city roads nearly empty

Millions leave Dhaka city for Eid, city roads nearly empty

Staff Correspondent Though there is no specific number, an estimated 10 million people have left Dhaka between March 25 and 30 to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr with their families in rural areas, resulting in nearly deserted city streets. More than 20 million people have been residing under the two city corporations of the capital Dhaka. As around half of its residents have left the mega city for celebrating the Eid holidays, it has created an unusual calm across the capital. Those who remained are enjoying smooth and hassle-free travel to visit their near and dear ones` houses as they have been easily reaching their respective destinations through private vehicles, rickshaws, and auto-rickshaws. On Eid day Monday, it was seen that the presence of traffic police in most major intersections in Dhaka city streets was very light. Only a few traffic police were spotted near key locations such as Bijoy Sarani, the Prime Minister’s Office, and Jahangir Gate. Other crucial points like Mohammadpur Beribadh, Allah Karim, Asad Gate, streets around National Parliament Building, and Khejurbagan roundabout were devoid of traffic officers. In the absence of sufficient traffic police, young motorcyclists took advantage of the situation, riding recklessly without helmets. Many were seen violating traffic rules by carrying more than two passengers, most of whom appeared to be between 18 and 25 years old. At around 2:30pm in Mirpur 12’s Pallabi Bus Stand, a motorcycle carrying three riders sped dangerously towards Mirpur 10 Circle. Onlookers shouted warnings, urging them to slow down but the biker didnt care. Though no accident occurred, such reckless behavior could have led to serious incidents. Similar scenes were observed in Mohammadpur, Basila, Shyamoli, the National Parliament area, Tejgaon, and Gulshan. Many motorcyclists ignored traffic signals altogether, and some even transported family members, including children, without helmets. Usually, motorcycle accidents due to reckless driving surge during Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Azha. While no major accidents had been reported in Dhaka by midday Monday, concerns over safety remain high. To curb reckless driving, traffic divisions of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) have placed speed bumps and roadblocks in strategic points of various city streets, such as Gulshan Avenue and Road 55. However, other major roads, including those in Agargaon, lacked similar measures. Many bikers in Gulshan were seen without mandatory helmets. A senior officer from the Gulshan Traffic Division, speaking on condition of anonymity, acknowledged the issue but assured that law enforcement was monitoring the situation. Meanwhile, a Tejgaon traffic division officer said: “Wherever violations occur, our officers will take action. No one breaking the law will be spared.” As Eid celebrations continue, authorities urge all motorists to follow traffic laws to prevent accidents and ensure public safety.

Children’s entertainment centers buzz with festive crowds on eid

Staff Correspondent With many residents staying in the capital during the Eid-ul-Fitr holidays, Dhaka`s amusement centers have become the prime destinations for Eid celebrations. Since the morning of Eid, entertainment venues have been bustling with visitors. To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, law enforcement agencies have implemented strict security measures. Shyamoli’s Shishu Mela remains a popular choice for children and teenagers. A visit to the site revealed parents bringing their children for fun. Arshia, a young visitor accompanied by her mother, excitedly shared: “I have tried two rides—a car and a plane. I’m very happy!” Mohsin, who came from Uttara with his wife and child, said: “We couldn’t travel to our hometown for Eid. Due to Dhaka’s usual traffic, we rarely get a chance to take our kids out. But today, we reached here from Uttara in just 20 minutes. This is the best time to explore Dhaka.” According to the ticket counter at Shishu Mela, the park offers around 40 rides, with 12 suitable for the whole family. It will remain open from 10am to 10pm for the first seven days of Eid, with an entry fee of Tk100 per person. At Bashundhara City’s Toggy Fun World, children were seen playing joyfully while parents waited nearby. The park offers a variety of rides and exciting games for children. Farhana, a mother from Banani, said: “This place is a great source of entertainment for kids. The roads are less crowded during Eid, making it easier to travel here.” Ayesha Siddiqa Jumana, another visitor from Uttara, expressed her excitement, saying: “I’m having a great time here. There are so many rides! I’ve been on one and plan to try more.” Jannatul Ferdous, a sales representative at Toggy Fun World, said the entry fee is Tk150, with special packages ranging from Tk1,100 to Tk10,000. Another staff member, Moin Uddin, mentioned that the park will remain open from 12pm to 11pm for 15 days, while its usual operating hours are 2pm to 10pm. Apart from these centers, Dhaka offers other attractions for children, such as the National Zoo in Mirpur, Fantasy Kingdom, and Nandan Park on the outskirts of the city. Thanks to the reduced traffic during Eid, families are finding it easier to reach these destinations. Traffic Sergeant Safayet Hossain from the Sher-e-Bangla Nagar area assured that strict security measures are in place, ensuring a hassle-free experience for visitors. “So far, no untoward incidents have been reported, and no complaints have been received,” he said.

Lt. Gen Vowell visits Bangladesh to bolster U.S.-Bangladesh military ties

Deputy Commanding General of the U.S. Army Pacific Lt. Gen. Joel P. Vowell visited Bangladesh from March 24 to 25 to strengthen military cooperation between the two nations. The visit reinforced the US Army’s commitment to a robust partnership with the Bangladesh Army while underscoring shared security interests and ongoing collaboration, said a media note issued by US embassy here today. During his visit, Lt. Gen. Vowell engaged in high-level discussions with senior officials of the Bangladesh Armed Forces including Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman. Both sides explored Bangladesh`s primary military challenges and areas where the U.S. could offer support. A major focus of the visit was the upcoming "Exercise Tiger Lightning" scheduled for summer 2025. This joint military exercise between Bangladesh and US army named “Tiger Lightning” aims to enhance peacekeeping readiness and promote interoperability between the armed forces of both nations. The discussions also touched on the potential acquisition of U.S.-origin equipment to boost Bangladesh`s military capabilities and further improve interoperability. Lt. Gen. Vowell lauded the professionalism of the Bangladesh military, emphasizing the crucial role of disciplined armed forces in maintaining regional stability. The visit underscores the growing defense ties between Bangladesh and the United States, reflecting a shared commitment to regional security and cooperation, said the US embassy.

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Proportional electoral system not possible in Bangladesh: Fakhrul

Proportional electoral system not possible in Bangladesh: Fakhrul

Staff Correspondent, Dhaka The proportional electoral system, which has come in the spotlight amid discussions of constitutional reform, is not possible in the context of Bangladesh, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul said today (13 November). Speaking at a press conference at his residence in Thakurgaon`s Kalibari, he said, "We have rejected this electoral system. This system is not possible in the context of the country." Bangladesh currently uses the First Past the Post, or FPTP, system, where the candidate with the highest votes in an electoral constituency wins. The other system is the Proportional Representation system, where there are no constituency-based candidates. Voters cast their votes for party symbols, and the number of seats a party receives in parliament is determined in proportion to the percentage of votes it secures. At the conference, Fakrhul also urged for patience and unity among the people following AL`s "successful attempts to create divisions". "We want a united nation by removing this division. In a democratic society there can be different opinions. But there must be unity on the basic issues of Bangladesh`s independence — sovereignty, democracy, human rights. "As a nation, we must not be intolerant. It is not possible to remove the garbage of 17 years in 17 days or even 17 months. So, this government should be given time." Fakhrul said, "We have verified that the people want an impartial election with the participation of all. We think that all kinds of reforms are necessary to make this election fair. So we have been saying that elections should be held within a reasonable time. And this roadmap should be given to the government." On the issue of reforms, he said the government would not have to do most of those. "It will be done by a parliament which has been elected." At the conference, Fakhrul also warned that India`s continuous campaign against Bangladesh can pose a great danger. "Now a trend has started on social media. Some are trying to destroy the achievements of Bangladesh. We have to be careful as we cannot meet another disaster right now. There is danger over our heads as the mastermind of fascism is staying in India," he said. After the fall of the Awami League administration, several parties, including Jamaat-e-Islami, have called for the introduction of the PR system in the national parliamentary elections.

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