Mobile phone traders’ blockade triggers traffic chaos in Dhaka

Greenwatch Desk Nation 2025-12-10, 9:54pm

Mobile phone traders blocked the Sonargaon crossing in the capital’s Karwan Bazar area on Wednesday evening demanding the reform of the proposed National Equipment Identity Register (NEIR) policy, triggering severe traffic congestion that spread to other parts of Dhaka.

Tejgaon Traffic Police ADC Tania Sultana said the traders took position at Sonargaon crossing around 6pm and obstructed vehicular movement, causing gridlock on major connecting roads.

Witnesses said the protesting traders gathered at the Karwan Bazar roundabout shortly after evening and began protesting by setting fire on the road.

They continued their sit-in till the filing of this report at around 8pm.

Traffic movement from Karwan Bazar towards Shahbagh, Rampura, Panthapath and Farmgate was halted, leaving thousands of commuters stranded during peak evening hours.

The suspension of movement on all major routes caused immense suffering to those returning home from work and others, reports UNB.