Record Traffic on Jamuna Bridge as Voters Rush Home Ahead of National Election

A massive rush of homebound travelers ahead of Bangladesh’s 13th parliamentary election has created unprecedented pressure on the Jamuna Bridge highway.

According to bridge authorities, a record 36,923 vehicles crossed the bridge within 24 hours, generating over BDT 28.7 million in toll revenue. This is the highest traffic volume recorded outside major Eid holidays. From Monday midnight to Tuesday midnight, nearly 24,000 vehicles traveled toward northern districts, while around 13,000 headed toward Dhaka. The surge was driven by voters returning to their hometowns to cast ballots.

To manage the situation, authorities deployed additional law enforcement personnel and increased surveillance using CCTV cameras. Extra toll booths were activated to speed up traffic flow. Despite these measures, slow movement was observed in some sections due to heavy congestion.

Meanwhile, the Dhaka-Chattogram highway presented a contrasting picture. On Wednesday, major bus terminals at Signboard and Shimrail remained unusually quiet. Bus operators reported that most passengers had already left earlier, resulting in low demand despite sufficient vehicles. Highway police confirmed that traffic on this route remained normal, with no major congestion.

Officials believe many travelers completed their journeys early due to restrictions on election day movement. As a result, pressure on major routes is expected to ease soon. Experts say the situation reflects strong public interest in participating in the election process, with thousands traveling long distances to exercise their voting rights.