Dhaka: The Bangladesh Railway (BR) has announced that the sale of all advance train tickets for homebound passengers on the occasion of Eid-ul-Azha will commence on May 21. This initiative aims to facilitate smooth travel for thousands of passengers during the festive season, with return tickets set to be available from May 30.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Railways Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan revealed this decision following a meeting with stakeholders at Bidyut Bhaban. He noted the positive response to online ticket sales during Eid-ul-Fitr, prompting the continuation of online sales for the upcoming holiday. Khan also mentioned that the government plans to introduce five additional pairs of special trains to ensure a hassle-free Eid journey.
Tickets for intercity trains in the western zone will be issued starting at 8 am, while sales for the western zone will begin at 2 pm. Railway sources have confirmed that a total of 33,315 seats will be available across 43 intercity trains departing from Dhaka to various destinations nationwide. Advance tickets for journeys on specific dates, from May 31 to June 6, will be released sequentially from May 21 to May 27. Similarly, return tickets for travel between June 9 and June 15 will be available starting May 30.
Prominent officials, including Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Adviser Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain and Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser on Home Affairs Khuda Baksh Chowdhury, attended the meeting. Adviser Khan emphasized that each passenger can purchase up to four tickets with a single user number. Additionally, in response to passenger requests, the railway will offer 25 percent standing tickets at station counters.
Khan further stated that weekly holidays for all intercity trains will be suspended from June 3 until before Eid day to accommodate increased demand. Post-Eid, intercity train services will resume their usual schedule, although no services will operate on Eid day itself. Depending on the moon sighting, Eid-ul-Azha is expected to be celebrated on June 7 or 8.