Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia is set to return to Dhaka on Monday night (May 5), after nearly four months of medical treatment in London.
She departed from London at 9:10 PM Bangladesh time, and will arrive in Dhaka on Tuesday morning.
To manage anticipated public gatherings and potential traffic disruptions along her route from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport to her Gulshan residence, the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has issued a 10-point special traffic directive.
In a public notice signed by DMP Commissioner Sheikh Md. Sajjat Ali, the police advised citizens to stay on footpaths and avoid standing on the roads to prevent traffic obstruction.
Supporters welcoming Khaleda Zia have been urged to cooperate by deploying volunteers to guide the crowd.
Key instructions from the DMP include:
Avoid Main Roads: From Tuesday morning to noon, the public is requested to avoid occupying roads from the airport to Gulshan. BNP leaders are advised to ensure supporters remain on sidewalks.
Alternative Routes: Commuters are encouraged to avoid the Gulshan/Banani–Airport corridor and use alternate routes, such as:
Abdullahpur–Kamarpara–Dhour Bridge–Panchabati–Mirpur embankment–Gabtoli.
The Dhaka Elevated Expressway.
Alternate inner roads through Uttara and Mirpur.
Gulshan/Pragati Sarani commuters can use Mohakhali and the expressway ramps instead of Kakoli or Gulshan-2.
Northbound buses from Mohakhali Terminal can use Mirpur–Gabtoli road.
Those entering via Airport or 300 Feet Road should use Mohakhali or FDC ramps rather than Kakoli.
Use of Cantonment Roads: With approval from the military authorities, light vehicles may use the Dhaka Cantonment roads (e.g., Zia Colony, Jahangir Gate, Sainik Club) between 8:00 AM and 2:00 PM.
Access for CNGs and Motorcycles: The Elevated Expressway Authority will allow CNG auto-rickshaws and motorcycles from 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM, with a speed limit of 40 km/h, strictly using the left lane. Traffic police will be deployed to prevent lane violations and overspeeding.
Rail Transport Advised: DMP encouraged use of trains on the Dhaka–Joydebpur route. Bangladesh Railway will arrange for intercity trains to halt for two minutes at Tongi, Airport, and Tejgaon stations. An additional shuttle train will also run between Kamalapur and Tongi.
Special Consideration for Travelers and Students: International travelers, including Hajj pilgrims, and SSC candidates are advised to plan their journeys early to avoid delays.
Use of Metro Rail: Residents of Mirpur and Uttara are urged to use the metro rail for smoother travel.
No Carrying of Objects: Welcoming individuals are requested not to bring bags, sticks, or similar items.
No Vehicles in Motorcade: Private vehicles will not be allowed to join Khaleda Zia’s convoy.
Motorcycles Restricted: Supporters must not use motorcycles along the airport route, although regular motorcyclists may use it if the road is free of crowds.
The DMP called on the public for full cooperation to ensure a safe and orderly situation during Khaleda Zia’s return.
