The relentless cycle of protests and road blockades in Dhaka has transformed the capital into a city gripped by unrest, economic distress, and public suffering.
Over the last six months, since the interim government assumed power on 8 August, demonstrations have become an almost daily occurrence, with various groups taking to the streets to voice their grievances. What started as isolated movements has escalated into a pattern of disruption, forcing ordinary citizens to navigate a city paralysed by agitation.
The frequency of protests has been staggering. According to available reports, Dhaka witnessed over 170 major demonstrations between August and January, with road blockades, rallies, and sit-ins disrupting key intersections. The most affected areas include Shahbagh, Farmgate, Motijheel, Press Club, and key transport hubs such as Gabtoli and Jatrabari. The scale of participation has varied, ranging from hundreds to thousands of demonstrators, often bringing entire neighbourhoods to a standstill.
The grievances of protesters are diverse. Students have emerged as one of the most active groups, staging repeated demonstrations over issues ranging from university status demands to exam irregularities. Government Titumir College students, for instance, have been blocking roads and railway lines under the "Barasat Barricade" movement, insisting on an upgrade of their institution. Similarly, job seekers have repeatedly staged protests demanding recruitment transparency and reforms in quota policies
Medical professionals, including intern doctors and nurses, have also been vocal, pressing for improved wages and better working conditions. Health sector strikes, especially in December and January, crippled services in major hospitals, exacerbating the burden on an already strained healthcare system. Madrasa teachers, village police, and metro rail employees have organised blockades over salary disputes and employment regularisation.
Meanwhile, dismissed members of security forces—including sacked BDR (now BGB) officers, Ansar members, and police personnel—have taken to the streets seeking reinstatement, citing arbitrary dismissals and lack of due process.
Religious minorities and marginalised communities have added their voices to the protests, demanding greater protection and an end to discrimination. Auditor service employees have rallied for revised pay scales, while transport workers have periodically disrupted operations, demanding policy changes on fare structures and working conditions. The collective impact of these movements has been profound, severely affecting mobility and economic activity in the capital.
The consequences for ordinary citizens have been devastating. Commuters are regularly trapped in traffic for hours as major routes remain blocked. Ambulances struggle to navigate congested roads, causing critical delays in emergency care. Businesses have suffered a drastic decline in customer footfall, with transport-dependent industries bearing the brunt of supply chain disruptions. Ride-sharing fares have skyrocketed, exploiting the desperation of stranded passengers.
The economic toll of the unrest is immense. The Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) estimates that prolonged traffic disruptions cost the city billions of takas in lost productivity each day. The garment industry, Bangladesh’s economic backbone, faces increasing risks as delayed shipments threaten contractual commitments with international buyers. Investment confidence is waning, with businesses wary of operating in an environment where unpredictability reigns.
Authorities are visibly struggling to restore order. The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) continues to grapple with the challenge of managing simultaneous protests across multiple locations. Law enforcement efforts have largely been reactive rather than preventive, allowing demonstrators to gain ground before interventions are made. The interim government’s inconsistent approach—sometimes conceding to demands, other times resorting to crackdowns—has only emboldened further movements, setting a precedent where taking to the streets is seen as the most effective way to achieve demands.
Experts warn that without a structured approach to addressing grievances, the cycle of unrest will persist. While many protestors’ demands stem from genuine frustrations, the method of expression—holding the city hostage through blockades—has been widely criticised. A framework for structured dialogue, ensuring grievances are addressed without bringing public life to a standstill, is urgently needed. If the government continues to falter in managing the crisis, Dhaka risks becoming a city where governance is dictated by street agitation rather than institutional processes.
With no immediate resolution in sight, Dhaka stands at a crossroads. The city’s infrastructure is already under immense strain, and continued unrest will only exacerbate its vulnerabilities. Unless authorities establish a clear mechanism to address disputes efficiently, the capital risks descending into a state of perpetual disruption, where economic growth, public order, and everyday life remain hostage to an unending wave of demonstrations.
