January 5, 2026
DHAKA – Traffic movement in several key areas of Dhaka came to a near halt this morning as separate protest programmes blocked major intersections, causing severe congestion and suffering for commuters.
Mobile phone shop owners across the country blocked the Karwan Bazar intersection in Dhaka today as part of a nationwide shutdown, demanding several measures, including postponement of the implementation of the National Equipment Identity Register (NEIR).
Protesters were seen staging a sit-in near the Sonargaon intersection around 11:50am, holding banners and chanting slogans, further disrupting traffic in the area.
At the same time, Tejgaon College students blocked the Farmgate intersection, demanding justice for a fellow student, Sakibul Hasan Rana, who died on December 10, four days after suffering injuries in a dormitory attack.
The blockade at Farmgate began around 10:00am, bringing traffic movement in the surrounding area to a complete standstill.
The blockades caused severe traffic congestion in nearby areas, with vehicles stranded at major intersections and commuters forced to walk long distances amid gridlock.
Numerous posts appeared in traffic alert Facebook groups, with users asking why traffic near Farmgate and Karwan Bazar, Panthapath and Bijoy Sarani had come to a standstill. Several posts warned others not to come near the areas due to heavy congestion.
Google Maps showed major roads around Farmgate and Karwan Bazar marked in red, indicating heavy traffic congestion stretching from Manik Mia Avenue to Bashundhara City and along Kazi Nazrul Islam Avenue.