Eid Holidaymakers Return to Capital Without Major Disruptions

People have been returning to the capital comfortably after celebrating Eid-ul-Azha with their near and dear ones in villages. “Pressure of Dhaka-bound passengers has been increasing since this morning. However, no crowds were found at bus counters, launch terminals, and railway stations, nor were there any traffic jams on highways,” said a bus passenger at Gabtoli who came from Rajshahi. He noted that he and his family reached their destination on time, enjoying a hassle-free journey despite a large number of people returning to Dhaka after Eid. During visits to Jatrabari, Sayedabad, and Gabtoli bus terminals, many returnees expressed satisfaction over their journeys, saying they faced no major obstacles on the roads. The Jatrabari-Sayedabad area was bustling with people returning to their workplaces in Dhaka, many carrying luggage, bags, and even sacrificial meat from their villages. The government had taken various measures to ensure a smooth and secure journey during the extended Eid holidays. Buses arriving in Dhaka from Chattogram, Noakhali, Feni, Cumilla, Chandpur, Barishal, Khulna, and Patuakhali were filled with passengers. After disembarking, travelers were seen easily catching CNG-run auto-rickshaws and other transport to reach their final destinations without difficulty.

A street vendor, M Sharif, noted, “Since government offices haven’t reopened yet, I returned to Dhaka at my convenience. Otherwise, I usually come back immediately after Eid.” A bus driver mentioned that travel times were shorter this year due to lighter highway traffic. He observed that while many were returning, the capital remained relatively quiet post-Eid. Despite the growing number of returnees, there were no major traffic congestions, thanks to improved road conditions. At Sayedabad bus terminal, passengers from various districts were seen arriving smoothly and comfortably. Compared to previous years, many travelers said their experience was much more relaxing, attributing it to the 10-day government holiday declared for Eid, excluding the weekend. A police sergeant stationed at Jatrabari said, “People started coming back to Dhaka today. Police were active and alert in maintaining law and order and ensuring the smooth movement of travelers.”

A passenger named Aklima, who came on Padma Travels from Shariatpur, shared, “I boarded the bus in the morning and reached Dhaka in just two hours. There was no problem on the road.” Another passenger, Shariful Islam, said, “We reached Dhaka quickly and without any traffic jams. We’re very happy with the smooth journey.” Although a large number of passengers returned today, the flow is expected to increase tomorrow and the day after. At Sadarghat launch terminal, many passengers were seen arriving from Barishal, Patuakhali, Bhola, Barguna, Chandpur, Shariatpur, and Madaripur by motor launch. Trains were also a preferred mode of return for many. Crowds were seen at Kamalapur and Airport Railway Stations. This year, the Eid train journeys were more comfortable than in previous years, with no reported schedule disruptions. Eid-ul-Azha, one of the most significant religious festivals for Muslims, was celebrated nationwide on June 7. The Eid holiday, which began on June 5, will end on June 14, offering government employees a full 10-day break.