Dhaka: People have been returning to the capital comfortably after celebrating Eid-ul-Azha with their families in villages. The pressure of Dhaka-bound passengers has been increasing since the morning, yet no significant crowds were observed at bus counters, launch terminals, and railway stations. A bus passenger at Gabtoli, who traveled from Rajshahi, shared this information with BSS, stating that he and his family members reached their destination on time without encountering traffic jams, despite the large number of people heading towards Dhaka after the Eid festivities.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, visits to Jatrabari, Sayedabad, and Gabtoli bus terminals revealed that travelers returning to Dhaka after the Eid celebrations expressed satisfaction with their journeys, as they did not face any major hurdles on highways. The Jatrabari-Sayedabad area was bustling with people returning to work from villages, many carrying luggage and sacrificial meat. The government implemented measures to ensure a smooth journey and security on highways during the holidays.
Different transport services from Chattogram, Noakhali, Feni, Cumilla, Chandpur, Barishal, Khulna, and Patuakhali arrived in Dhaka filled with passengers. After disembarking from buses, passengers used CNG-run autos and other transport modes to reach their destinations trouble-free, as observed by street vendor M Sharif. He mentioned, "The government offices are yet to open, so I returned to Dhaka at my convenience."
Speaking to BSS, a bus driver noted that travel time was reduced due to less traffic on highways, and the capital remained relatively empty post-Eid. Despite the influx of returning passengers, there was no major congestion, as road conditions were favorable. The scenario was similar at the Sayedabad bus terminal, where passengers from different districts reached their destinations comfortably.
Passengers highlighted that compared to previous years, the experience of returning after Eid was more relaxing, thanks to the government's declaration of a 10-day holiday excluding weekends. Police Sergeant Shafiq, on duty at Jatrabari, confirmed that law enforcement was vigilant in maintaining order and ensuring smooth passenger movement.
A passenger, Aklima, who traveled on Padma Travels from Shariatpur, reported reaching Dhaka in just two hours without any road problems. Another passenger, Shariful Islam, expressed happiness about reaching Dhaka hassle-free due to the absence of highway traffic jams.
A large number of passengers were observed returning to Dhaka after Eid, with expectations of increased pressure in the coming days. The Sadarghat launch terminal saw many passengers arriving from southern districts by motor launches. Additionally, crowds were present at Kamalapur and Airport Railway Stations in Dhaka, as train journeys proved more comfortable this year without schedule disruptions.
Eid-ul-Azha, a significant Muslim festival, was celebrated nationwide on June 7. Government employees enjoyed a 10-day holiday for Eid, which began on June 5 and will conclude on June 14.