“At Karwan Bazar, halted by the presidential motorcade’s signal”

In a rare glimpse of normal city life intersecting with high office, President Md. Sahabuddin’s convoy was temporarily held up at a traffic signal in Karwan Bazar on Wednesday. The incident, though brief, highlighted the evolving nature of VIP movement protocols in Dhaka.

Traditionally, the movement of VVIPs in the city followed strict protocols that often led to widespread public inconvenience. Roads were cleared, footpaths were off-limits, and traffic signals were routinely ignored to ensure uninterrupted travel for officials. Such scenes of carefully choreographed motorcades were once a common sight, especially for dignitaries like Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

However, in recent years, these practices have changed. Both the Prime Minister and President now travel under standard traffic rules, prioritising normal public flow and demonstrating a shift towards less disruptive movement. The Karwan Bazar incident is emblematic of this change: the President’s convoy was forced to stop at a traffic light, temporarily affecting the vehicles behind it. Once the signal turned green, the convoy resumed its journey without further hindrance.

The President was en route to the military cemetery in Banani to pay tribute on the occasion of National Martyrs’ Day. Despite the minor delay, the event proceeded smoothly, reflecting a balance between protocol observance and urban traffic realities.

For perspective, here is a brief comparison of VIP convoy practices then and now:

Observers noted that such moments, previously unthinkable, are now more frequent as officials adapt to public-centric traffic norms. The sight of a President’s convoy halted at a traffic signal is a visible reminder that even the highest offices are not immune to the everyday realities of city commuting.

This incident, while minor, may also signal a broader move towards transparency and normalcy in VIP movement—demonstrating respect for both protocol and the ordinary citizen’s commute.