Protest rallies by teachers and students and potholed roads caused huge traffic gridlock across the capital on Sunday.

Passengers and transport workers suffered immensely on the day due to congestion.

Huge traffic was seen in different areas, including National Press Club, Rampura, Malibagh, Khilgaon, Science Lab, Bijoy Sarani, Love Road and Mohakhali.

At about 10:30am around 500 higher secondary level students of Dhaka College blocked the Science Lab crossing demanding separate intermediate college for them.

Confirming the news, Dhaka Metropolitan Police joint commissioner traffic (north) Md Abu Sufian Ahmed said that the students left the road at about 11:00am.

Huge traffic congestion was seen at New Market, Shahbagh, Hatirpool and Dhanmondi areas due to the blockade.

Since morning hundreds of secondary-level schoolteachers under the monthly pay order scheme on Sunday took position in front of the National Press Club demanding increase in their house rent allowance.

DMP traffic department police also said that the teachers blocked one side of the road which caused huge traffic gridlock adjacent areas.

Till 12:30pm the areas in front of the club were blocked.

In Shahbagh areas, another section of teachers blocked the road in front of the National Museum at about 12:30pm.

In Rampura, Malibagh, Khilgaon and Jurain areas huge traffic gridlock were seen since morning till noon.

DMP joint commissioner Abu Sufian said that due to potholes on roads between Malibagh and Jurain areas vehicles stuck on roads till afternoon.

Due to VIP movement, the Elevated Expressway’s Love Road and Bijoy Sarani ramps were closed at around 11:00am which also created huge traffic congestion in these areas during the time.