They came from different walks of life but all their faces bore a resemblance: that of weariness. Their helpless eyes told the same sad story of being stranded on the road for hours, caused by quota reform protesters.

At around 3:30pm yesterday at Kazi Nazrul Islam Avenue, hundreds of people -- men and women, young and old, employed and unemployed -- were seen either gathered at different places of the road hoping to get on a bus to their destination, or walking alongside a long trail of buses that moved sluggishly.

Not only did they have to stay put inside the vehicles for hours, but a number of passengers had to start walking. Due to the protest, vehicles going in the direction of Shahbagh are stranded while the other side of the road remains empty as a few could cross the intersection and head towards Karwan Bazar. Photo: Prabir Das, Rashed Shumon

Quota reform protesters blocked one of Dhaka's main thoroughfares, Shahbagh, suspending vehicular movement in the area yesterday for about six hours from around 1:00pm. The traffic congestion soon spread to TSC, Elephant Road, Matshya Bhaban intersection and Banglamotor.

At the Banglamotor intersection, one Monir Hossain - with his daughter in his arm -- was seen trying to get on a bus to no avail. His wife, who was walking behind him, was holding a large envelop containing medical test reports.

With baggage, people of all ages walking to their destinations in front of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University. Photo: Prabir Das, Rashed Shumon

Monir Hossain had come to the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) from Kazipara for a doctor's appointment for his 5-year-old daughter Sohana.

“This is absolute anarchy. No one cares about anyone,” he said, while making another failed attempt of getting on an already-packed Mirpur-bound bus.

The couple was later seen walking along the footpath to Farmgate, taking turns carrying their daughter.

To cope with the traffic congestion, police diverted Mirpur, Gabtoli and Uttara-bound buses to VIP road from Matshya Bhaban via Kakrail. From TSC, police rerouted Mohammadur, Gabtoli and Mirpur-bound buses to Nilkhet. As a result, heavy congestion was created at the New Market and adjacent areas.

Senior citizen Shahriar Hasan began his journey from Paltan to Kalabagan Police Station around 2:00pm on a CNG-run auto rickshaw. At around 3:15pm, Shahriar could reach only Ramna Park Avenue roundabout.

“The road remains congested even on an average day. Today, the protesters have made it worse,” he said.

A group of students chanting slogans voicing their demand for publication of a gazette notification formalising the prime minister's April 11 announcement of quota abolition in all public service recruitments. Photo: Prabir Das, Rashed Shumon

Since a cabinet meeting was held yesterday at Secretariat, VIP movement in the area further escalated police's struggle to manage traffic.

The situation worsened when the offices closed for the day, with homebound people competing in a mad rush to get on the already-crammed buses.

Female employees were some of the worst sufferers of yesterday's traffic congestion. Failing to compete with men, many women resorted to walking to their destinations.

Habiba Naznin, a bank officer who was walking home, said, “For one full hour, I tried to get on a bus to go to Mohammadpur, but could not manage to get on any.”