The nationwide tension stemming from the quota reform movement and the subsequent non-cooperation movement demanding the government's resignation, as well as counter-rallies by the ruling party, has led to a crisis for public transportation in the capital Dhaka amid the tense situation.
Buses have been scarce since Sunday (4 August) morning.
Office-bound passengers were seen standing at various locations in the capital waiting for buses.
This scenario was evident across nearly all major roads in the capital, including Mirpur 10, Kazipara, Shewrapara, Agargaon, Farmgate, Karwan Bazar, Shahbagh, Paltan, and Gulistan.
Despite the empty roads, the lack of public transport has caused immense hardship for the people.
Many complained about waiting for 30 to 40 minutes without finding a bus.
Passengers in wait remarked that even after standing for 30 to 40 minutes, no buses were available, and the few that did arrive were already full.
They noted that they had never seen such a situation so early in the morning.
Farhad Hossain, an employee of a private company, was trying to travel from Mirpur 10 to Shahbagh. Despite arriving at 7am, he was still unable to board a bus after half an hour.
Consequently, he began searching for a rickshaw to continue his journey.
Farhad told Bangladesh First.com, "On other days, the roads are not crowded at this time. The buses are relatively empty, and after boarding, passengers have to wait for some time. But today, no buses are available. The ones that are coming are so full that there is no chance of getting on. Therefore, I am now looking for a rickshaw, even though the fare is higher."
The Anti-Discrimination Student Movement has called for a single-point demand for the government's resignation a protest march today.
It also called for a comprehensive non-cooperation movement.
Conversely, at noon, Awami League will hold rallies in all wards of Dhaka and across all divisional and district towns throughout the country.
