Dhaka Streets Empty as Voters Flee Ahead of Historic Elections

Dhaka is unusually quiet as residents leave the capital en masse to return to their hometowns ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary Election and Referendum, just two days away.

City streets, normally congested, saw a dramatic drop in traffic on Tuesday, with public buses operating at minimal capacity. Major transport hubs—including Kamalapur Railway Station, Gabtoli, and Mohakhali Bus Terminals—were crowded with passengers carrying luggage. Commuters faced long waits, and boarding even a few arriving buses was challenging.

Highways leading out of the capital, such as Dhaka-Aricha, Dhaka-Mymensingh, and Dhaka-Chattogram, experienced heavy outbound traffic. Some travelers, unable to get train or bus tickets, resorted to riding on train rooftops or in trucks to reach their villages in time to vote.

The exodus was amplified by government-declared holidays for the election and ongoing school holidays, running until February 15. In Gazipur, over 400 factories announced work stoppages, adding to the flow of homebound workers and causing extreme traffic congestion of nearly 50 kilometers on the Dhaka-Tangail and Dhaka-Mymensingh highways.

Travelers reported that fares, normally around Tk500, were being charged Tk1,200 to Tk1,500, leading to protests in some areas. In Chandana Chourasta-Mawna, Gazipur, frustrated passengers briefly blocked the road to express anger over excessive charges.

Authorities have deployed law enforcement at bus terminals, railway stations, and highway choke points to manage crowds and ensure safety. Despite these measures, the massive exodus highlights the logistical challenges and anticipated high voter turnout for the historic polls.