Dhaka: Bus and launch terminals and train stations in Dhaka are witnessing a significant rush of home goers ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr, the biggest religious festival for Muslims. Eid holidaymakers are reportedly returning home smoothly and comfortably, thanks to initiatives taken by the concerned authorities.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, holidaymakers are reaching their destinations on time via rail, road, water, and airways, with law enforcement agencies working continuously to ensure their security. So far, there have been no reports of long traffic jams, train schedule disruptions, excessive fare collection, or security violations anywhere in the country.
Railway Adviser Muhammad Fauzul Kabir Khan visited Kamalapur Railway Station to inspect the Eid journey and inaugurated a new pair of trains. During his visit, he spoke to railway officials about developing railway services, preventing corruption, and checking the waste of public money. He also greeted passengers arriving in Dhaka by the Narsingdi commuter train and those departing on the Rangpur Express.
On the third day of the Eid journey, all trains have departed Dhaka on time, with a total of 69 trains, including 43 intercity and 26 mail and commuter trains, running to various destinations across the country, stated Dhaka Railway Station Manager Shahadat Hossain. “We have all kinds of preparations for passenger service. Security measures have been strengthened from the start of the journey to the train station until the train reaches its destination,” he said.
Despite a large crowd at bus terminals in Dhaka, there has been no significant pressure from passengers marking the Eid journey. Due to the extended Eid holiday, people are returning home on their preferred day, making their journey relaxed. The Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) is actively taking action against any additional fare charged for the Eid journey, with mobile courts monitoring the situation.
Fare lists have been displayed at all ticket counters at Gabtoli and Mohakhali bus terminals, with no complaints of excessive fare reported by passengers. However, mobile courts took action against several transport companies for charging additional fare at the Saidabad bus terminal.
A similar rush of passengers has been observed on waterways for Eid. Launches to various destinations are leaving Sadarghat on time, and security has been intensified. The Bangladesh Water Transport Authority is monitoring to ensure no extra fare is charged. Muhammad Mobarak Hossain, Joint Director of Dhaka River Port, stated that they are conducting drives to ensure the prescribed fare list is displayed on all launches. “We have operated a mobile court to ensure that no one can charge extra fare. We have fined a few launches. Now, the fixed fare list is displayed on all launches,” he said.
There is no pressure as the movement of homebound passengers remains normal on all routes. A Barisal-bound passenger, Redwan, expressed that he is leaving Dhaka well before the Eid holiday to avoid any discomfort. “There is less pressure of passengers on water routes. So, I’m leaving Dhaka today hoping that I can go home safely,” he said.
Meanwhile, Biman Bangladesh Airlines is operating additional flights on the Dhaka-Saidpur and Dhaka-Rajshahi routes from Wednesday in observance of Eid. Other private operators are also committed to providing better service to passengers to ensure a safe and comfortable Eid journey.