9hr toll-free access on elevated expressway on Saturday for 'Spirit of July Concert'

Authorities will allow transporters to use the elevated expressway toll-free via the airport, Kuril, and Banani ramps on Saturday (21 December), to help alleviate traffic congestion likely to be caused by the "Spirit of July Concert" at the Bangladesh Army Stadium in the capital.

The expressway will be available for using without paying toll from 2pm to 11pm, said Talebur Rahman, deputy commissioner (Media) of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police.

Earlier, the Bangladesh Army agreed to waive the venue charges for the concert organised by Dhaka University students to support victims of the July-August uprising.

The event aims to raise funds for the families of those killed and injured during the uprising.

The concert is being organised under the Spirit of July platform, which was founded to remember the victims and provide ongoing assistance to their families.

All proceeds from the event will go to the July Shaheed Smriti Foundation, an organisation dedicated to supporting the martyrs' families and those affected.

The concert will feature renowned Pakistani musician Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, alongside several popular Bangladeshi bands.

In addition, the army has made special arrangements to ease potential traffic congestion around the event.

To ensure smooth access to Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport and minimise public suffering, vehicles carrying air passengers coming from the Dhanmondi and Farmgate areas will be allowed to enter the cantonment area through Jahangir Gate.

These vehicles will be permitted to proceed to the airport via CMH and Zia Colony, subject to passengers showing their flight tickets. This special route will be available from 2pm to 11pm tomorrow.

Ambulances carrying patients will also be given priority to use this route during the same hours.