The Dhaka Metropolitan Police on Monday said that it would divert traffic from the city鈥檚 key intersections to tackle the rush for shopping ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr.
The traffic from Sonargaon intersection will be diverted from 1:00pm to 10:00pm to Pathapath, Dhanmondi, Jigatala and Mirpur on March 21, 22 and between March 26 and the Eid-ul-Fitr, according to a public advertisement of the DMP on the day.
Eid-ul-Fitr, one of the biggest religious festivals of the Muslim-majority country, is likely to be celebrated on March 31, depending on sighting of the moon.
Alongside preparations for the festival, the month of Ramadan also sees a significant increase in economic activities across the country.
The DMP said that it would also divert traffic at Pathapath to Russell Square and Farmgate during the period for those days.
Besides, traffic on the Science Laboratory area road will be diverted to the Elephant Road while the traffic excepting city buses can use the Nilketh diversion as per the public advertisement.
The DMD attributed the arrangement to massive pressure of traffic and crowds in connection with shopping in the areas ahead of the country鈥檚 biggest religious festival.
It advises commuters, who are not shoppers, to avoid the mentioned areas to overcome the rush and crowds in those areas.
To facilitate availability of rickshaws, the DMP says that it will maintain a dedicate lane for the movement of three rickshaws at a time.
Earlier on Sunday, the DMP urged all concerned to refrain from blocking roads and highways, stressing the importance of minimising public inconvenience during the busy time of the Ramadan.
Recent instances of vested interests blocking roads and highways in the name of various demands have caused suffering to city residents.
To ensure smooth travel and alleviate public suffering, the DMP has called on all parties to cooperate and avoid obstructing traffic during the remainder of Ramadan.