THE OTHER SIDE OF TRAFFIC IN DHAKA CITY.

 

Dhaka city having traffic jam is not a news to anyone, yet the people of this city has found ways to make it useful, somewhat entertaining, and sometimes beneficial to few groups of people. Dhaka, one of the world's major cities, grapples with numerous issues, but traffic congestion stands out as one of its most notorious challenges. Whether wealthy or economically modest, every inhabitant of this city has no choice but to confront it because, in the end, everyone needs to tend to his or her homes and responsibilities. Life in the city is a relentless competition, whether it is about hard work, intelligence, or patience. Navigating through traffic jams demands a combination of hard work and patience, an essential skill for success in this urban environment. Despite the frustration, humans possess an inherent ability to find silver linings even in the darkest of clouds. When faced with closed doors, we learn to open windows.

 As I sit here on a bus in the midst of a Dhaka traffic jam, I am living proof of the city's knack for making the most of this situation. Traffic in this city can be so severe that what should be a one-hour journey often turns into a four to five-hour ordeal. That is nearly eight to ten hours of precious time wasted each day. If we calculate this annually, it amounts to approximately 91 to 121 days lost in a year. However, the resourceful residents of Dhaka have devised various ways to utilize this time, especially those who regularly deal with these circumstances. In an era of technological advancement, nearly everyone has a smartphone and internet access, granting them the ability to access a wealth of information and even convert text to audio using artificial intelligence tools. Students heading to class hours early use this time to study or listen to study materials, making their commute productive. Admittedly, this may not be applicable for enjoyable for younger students, but it is a valuable option for many. Workers heading to their jobs often turn this time into entertainment or reading time, thanks to the access of internet. People have adapted to the traffic by transforming it into a valuable period of productivity.

 

It might seem unlikely, but traffic jams can also be entertaining, especially for extroverted individuals. The theory of introverts and extroverts suggests that introverts are drained by social interactions, while extroverts thrive on them. The long hours spent in traffic provide extroverts with opportunities to engage with new people. Whether it is a crowded bus or a local tea stall, impassable traffic signals can spark debates on a wide range of topics, from politics to social issues to global affairs, and even philosophical discussions. Middle-aged people, in particular, seem to relish bonding over shared experiences, work stories, and their opinions on government policies, laws, and social matters. These unique interactions can be surprisingly enjoyable and entertaining.

Surprisingly, traffic jams provide a livelihood for a group of people. Dhaka is no stranger to street hawkers who sell a variety of products, including toothbrushes; nail cutters, pins, wallets, watches, and toys. They also offer seasonal fruits like mangoes and lychees, as well as refreshments like cucumber slices, carrot slices, lemonade, and cold water. While non-food items are typically sold at lower-than-market prices, food items often come with a premium. Street hawkers use their persuasive presentation techniques to entice passengers to make a purchase. These hawkers and beggars, who seek any small bit of help they can find, might appear inconspicuous, but they play a significant role in Dhaka's ecosystem. For many, this is their sole source of income, emphasizing the importance of these informal businesses in the city.

In conclusion, Dhaka's notorious traffic jams, while undoubtedly a daily struggle, have led its residents to adapt and find creative ways to make the most of their time in transit. Whether it's studying, enjoying lively debates, or supporting street vendors and beggars, the people of Dhaka have turned adversity into opportunity, illustrating their resilience and resourcefulness in the face of one of the city's most enduring challenges.

cluster:

1. utilizing

2. enjoying

3. earning