United News of Bangladesh

Diesel shortage in Bangladesh’s northern districts is disrupting irrigation at a critical stage of the Boro season, raising fears of a drop in rice production and deepening anxiety among farmers. Growers in 16 districts including Rangpur, Lalmonirhat, Kurigram, Gaibandha, Nilphamari, Rajshahi, Natore, Naogaon and Chapainawabganj, said they are unable to irrigate their fields due to a lack of fuel. As vast tracts of cropland are drying up during peak Boro cultivation many fear irreversible damage to the country’s main food crop. The ongoing fuel crunch has left diesel-run irrigation pumps, tube wells and agricultural machinery idle across large swathes of farmland. Farmers allege that most filling stations in Rangpur and Rajshahi regions are either out of stock or unable to meet demand, forcing them to turn to the open market where diesel is being sold at Tk 50–80 above the government-set price. The price surge has added to already rising cultivation costs, pushing many farmers deeper into debt. A visit to Madhupur Char area in Kaunia upazila of Rangpur found the situation particularly severe. Farmers there said diesel prices have jumped from Tk 102 to Tk 120 per litre within the past five days, significantly increasing irrigation expenses. “Costs were already high. Now with rising fuel prices it has become even harder to manage irrigation,” said farmer Saidul Islam. In Shialkhowa village of Kaliganj upazila in Lalmonirhat, farmer Hasim Mia said he failed to find diesel after visiting several filling stations. “I finally had to buy from a local retailer at Tk 220 per litre,” he said. Another farmer from Kakina village, Moslem Uddin, said, “I searched the entire msrket on Friday but couldn’t find even a litre of diesel. My Boro field is drying up,” he said, adding that he was willing to pay up to Tk 250 per litre but still could not secure any fuel. Operators of irrigation pumps said the shortage has made it nearly impossible to continue operations. Many have been forced to increase irrigation charges, further burdening farmers. According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), a target has been set to cultivate Boro rice on around 6,52,000 hectares of land this season in five districts—Rangpur, Kurigram, Lalmonirhat, Gaibandha and Nilphamari-- under Rangpur division and four districts—Rajshahi, Naogaon, Natore and Chapainawabganj-- under Rajshahi division. Iran-backed Houthis join war, global markets on edge However, with irrigation in these regions heavily dependent on diesel, the current crisis is disrupting water supply across a vast area. Roughly 21 percent of irrigated land in these regions relies on diesel-powered pumps. Of the 21,535 deep tube wells, 615 run on diesel. Among 210,449 shallow tube wells, 98,268 are diesel-operated. Similarly, of the 17,647 low-lift pumps, 11,458 depend on diesel. Agricultural economists have urged the government to prioritise fuel allocation for the farming sector to avert a potential food production crisis. They said the global fuel market has been under pressure due to ongoing Iran-US conflicts, prompting the government to introduce rationing measures. While such steps may be justified, experts stress the need to clearly prioritise critical sectors like agriculture in fuel distribution. Agronomist Abdus Salam said Boro rice is Bangladesh’s principal food grain and is highly dependent on irrigation. “Around 62 to 65 percent of Boro fields rely on diesel-powered irrigation. Ensuring fuel supply to agriculture at this stage is crucial,” he said. He also suggested that similar to electricity, diesel supply for irrigation should be brought under a structured management system to ensure uninterrupted farming during peak seasons. However, additional director Dr Azizur Rahman and additional director Sirajul Islam of the Department of Agricultural Extension in Rajshahi and Rangpur, respectively, claimed they have not received complaints regarding diesel shortages or overpricing and said irrigation activities remain normal. However, farmer said if the fuel shortage continues, irrigation across vast crop fields will be severely affected. Advocate Palash Kanti Nakh, president of Farmer and Workers Association, in Rangpur division, said the government must stand by farmers despite the global nature of the fuel crisis. “Boro cultivation requires adequate water at this stage. Without irrigation, yields could drop by half, pushing farmers into deeper financial distress,” he said. Rangpur Divisional Commissioner Shahidul Islam said efforts are underway to ensure farmers can access diesel more easily. In a move to mitigate the urgent demand of the country, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs on Thursday approved emergency diesel import proposals amid the unstable Middle East situation. The decision was taken at a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs for the current fiscal year held virtually with Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury in the chair. The meeting approved in principle two proposals of the Energy and Mineral Resources Division to ensure uninterrupted fuel supply in the country in the context of the ongoing geopolitical instability following tensions involving in the Middle East.

A major road development project  in Munshiganj is set to ease chronic travel woes and strengthen connectivity with the capital as authorities move to upgrade key highways linking the district with Dhaka’s main transport corridors. The Tk Tk 1,359cr project fully funded by the government aims to upgrade three regional highways and one district road to modern standards, improving links between Dhaka–Mawa–Bhanga (N-8) and Dhaka–Chattogram (N-1) highways. Officials say the project to be implemented by the Roads and Highways Department under the Road Transport and Highways Division is expected to be completed by June 2029. Spanning Munshiganj Sadar, Tongibari, Sirajdikhan and Srinagar upazilas, the project will upgrade roads from Munshiganj Old Bus Stand to Chonbari in Srinagar, creating a more efficient and safer road network. For thousands of daily commuters and traders, the project promises shorter travel times and smoother journeys to Dhaka, particularly through improved access to the Dhaka–Mawa Expressway. Residents of Munshiganj, long dependent on congested and narrow routes, are expected to benefit from faster connectivity while transport operators anticipate reduced travel delays and vehicle operating costs. The project includes widening road embankments, reconstructing pavements for both two-lane and four-lane sections, and carrying out surface development to enhance durability and traffic capacity. To improve safety and traffic flow, the project  includes construction of underpasses, overpasses and bus bays, alongside modern drainage systems,according to project documents . Bridges and culverts will also be a key focus. Authorities plan to build six RCC box culverts, 31 additional culverts for local communications, and 14 RCC slab bridges to strengthen linkages between main and feeder roads. Side drains with footpaths and RCC retaining walls will be constructed in selected stretches, while intersections will be redesigned to handle increased traffic volumes. The project also involves land acquisition, relocation of utilities such as electric poles, and maintenance arrangements during the construction period. Key roads under the plan include the Munshiganj Old Ferry Ghat–Old Bus Stand road, Fatulla–Munshiganj–Louhajang–Mawa road, Muktarpur Ferry Ghat road, and the Munshiganj (Hatimara)–Kunderbazar–Srinagar (Chonbari) road. These routes serve as vital arteries connecting the district’s major upazilas and are widely used for commuting, goods transport and access to Dhaka. Officials say the upgraded network will significantly improve traffic movement from the Muktarpur Bridge over the Dhaleshwari River to Srinagar on the Dhaka–Mawa Expressway, easing congestion and ensuring quicker access to the capital. Planning Commission officials believe the project will not only enhance connectivity between the two national highways but also boost economic activity in Munshiganj by facilitating smoother movement of people and agricultural goods. They added that improved road infrastructure is expected to support broader socio-economic development in the district and beyond.  

At a time when public hospitals across Bangladesh often struggle with overcrowding and staff shortages a starkly different picture has emerged at the Khulna Divisional Chest Disease Hospital where nurses significantly outnumber admitted patients. The 100-bed facility at Mirerdanga under Khan Jahan Ali Police Station currently has only 26 patients admitted against a sanctioned 93 nursing posts. Even with several nurses on leave or in training, the number of on-duty nurses frequently exceeds the patient count, according to hospital sources. The comparatively lighter workload and fewer complications have made the hospital a preferred posting for many nurses. Some have reportedly managed to remain stationed here for years avoiding transfers that are common in the public health system. However, the situation has also sparked allegations of underutilisation of human resources. Critics claim that with fewer patients to attend to, some nurses spend idle time on mobile phones or in casual conversations during duty hours. Hospital authorities, however, strongly deny such claims. Farida Yasmin, acting deputy nursing superintendent, said nurses remain actively engaged in a wide range of responsibilities beyond direct patient care. “In addition to providing regular services to patients, nurses are involved in ECG procedures, MDR-related tasks, operation theatre duties, computer work, and preparing patient reports,” she said. She added that nurses are assigned across three shifts — from 8:00am to 2:00pm, 2:00pm to 8:00pm, and 8:00pm to 8:00am — and must also cover emergency duties in multiple wards. “In four critical wards alone, eight to ten nurses are deployed. Nurses also handle emergency department responsibilities during morning and evening shifts,” she said. Yasmin further noted that a shortage of doctors at the hospital has increased the burden on nurses, who often have to manage patients round the clock in the absence of physicians. “There is no scope for idleness or passing time on mobile phones,” she added. According to hospital data, of the 93 sanctioned nursing positions, 84 are currently filled. Among them, 17 nurses are on leave, nine are undergoing BSc nursing training, one is on maternity leave, two are on quarantine leave, and others are on various types of leave, deputation, or training assignments. Despite these constraints, the hospital continues to function with a structured duty roster across three shifts. Yasmin also highlighted structural challenges within the institution including limited training opportunities for nurses compared to other government hospitals. “Regular training helps improve professional skills, but such opportunities are limited here,” she said. She added that the post of nursing superintendent has long remained vacant, with a senior nurse supervisor currently performing the duty in an acting capacity. Another pressing issue is the lack of usable residential facilities. The hospital’s staff quarters have remained abandoned for years, forcing nurses to commute from distant areas and often making it difficult to report to duty on time. The unusual staff-to-patient ratio at the hospital has reignited debate over the distribution of healthcare resources.  

Intensifying climate change impacts are accelerating the Brahmaputra’s relentless erosion in Kurigram, deepening a decades-long crisis that has displaced thousands, wiped out vast stretches of land and pushed vulnerable communities into chronic uncertainty. For decades, the river has been steadily eating into its banks across the northern district, drastically altering its landscape and displacing hundreds of thousands of people, many of whom have rebuilt their homes multiple times only to lose them again. Originating in India’s Assam, the Brahmaputra enters Bangladesh through Narayanpur union of Nageshwari upazila and flows through Kurigram Sadar, Ulipur, Chilmari, Roumari and Char Rajibpur before reaching Bahadurabad in Jamalpur, where it becomes known as the Jamuna. A roughly 70-kilometre stretch from Narayanpur to Rajibpur has been experiencing continuous erosion since the 1950s, said locals. Large parts in unions in Nageshwari, Kurigram Sadar, Ulipur, Chilmari, Roumari and Rajibpur have been partially or completely eroded, displacing several lakh people and reshaping the district’s geography. The loss of agricultural land, educational institutions, religious establishments and other assets has dealt a severe blow to the local economy and social structure. To address the crisis, the Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB) has proposed a riverbank protection project worth around Tk 850 crore to protect the left bank of the Brahmaputra. The project aims to safeguard about 16.305 kilometres of vulnerable riverbanks across Ulipur, Roumari and Rajibpur upazilas. Planned for implementation from January 2026 to June 2029, it will cover areas including Saheber Alga, Habiganj Bazar, Namajer Char, Sonapur, Ghughumari and Sukher Bati in Ulipur; Phulua Charghat in Roumari; and Kodalkati, Hajipara and Char Neoyaji in Rajibpur. BWDB officials said the proposal has been sent to the Ministry of Water Resources after completing necessary surveys. It was forwarded to the Planning Commission on March 2 but is yet to receive final approval. Residents in erosion-hit areas say they are living in extreme hardship after losing their homes repeatedly. “I have built my house five times in my life, and each time it was taken by the river. I don’t know where to go now,” said Sharafat Ali, 56, from Saheber Alga in Ulipur. “The river has taken everything from me. I now live on someone else’s land with my children, and I fear the monsoon every year,” said Rahila Khatun from the same area. Zaidul Islam, a farmer from Phulua Char in Roumari, said he now works as a day labourer after losing 10 bighas of farmland to the river. “It is becoming impossible to survive after losing our homes again and again. If immediate steps are not taken, we will become completely homeless,” said Zarina Khatun from Char Rajibpur. Local representatives have urged the government to take urgent action, warning of a looming humanitarian disaster. “People have had to relocate five to six times. Without a sustainable embankment, a major humanitarian crisis is inevitable,” said Mozzaffar Hossain, chairman of Saheber Alga union in Ulipur. Representatives from Roumari and Rajibpur echoed similar concerns, stressing the need for immediate intervention to control erosion. Experts say the Brahmaputra’s unstable nature is a key factor behind the worsening situation. “The Brahmaputra is an extremely dynamic river. On average, it erodes about 50 metres of its banks each year, destroying homes, farmland and infrastructure. Over time, this is intensifying poverty and humanitarian challenges,” said Prof Shafiqul Islam Bebu, president of Kurigram District Char Development and Implementation Organisation. He also emphasised the need for regular dredging alongside embankment protection to maintain the river’s navigability. BWDB Executive Engineer Rakibul Hasan said a project proposal has been prepared after identifying vulnerable areas and that work would begin once approval is secured. Residents now hope the project will be approved and implemented without delay, offering protection from the relentless erosion and restoring some stability to life in the char areas. Although Bangladesh is responsible for less than 0.5 percent of global carbon emissions, it faces some of the gravest impacts of climate change. According to the World Bank, climate-related disasters could displace one in seven people in the country by 2050.

Cox’s Bazar has turned into a bustling hub of festivity as an overwhelming influx of tourists floods the country’s premier seaside destination during the Eid-ul-Fitr holidays. With a week-long holiday drawing travellers from across the country, the beach town is witnessing  an unprecedented surge in visitors. According to local hotel owners, more than 500 hotels, motels and resorts are operating at full capacity, with most already booked in advance until March 30. From families to groups of friends, thousands have chosen to spend their Eid break by the sea, creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere. Key tourist spots including Kolatoli, Sugandha and Laboni beaches remain packed throughout the day, while popular attractions such as Inani Beach, Marine Drive, Himchhari, Ramu Buddhist Temple and Moheshkhali’s Adinath Temple are also teeming with visitors. “The natural beauty of Cox’s Bazar always fascinates me. That’s why I came here to spend Eid,” said Abdul Mabud, a tourist from Narayanganj. “I plan to stay for two more days. It feels wonderful to be here.” Tourism businesses rebound after Ramadan lull The massive tourist turnout has breathed new life into the local tourism-dependent economy. Businesses that remained subdued during Ramadan are now experiencing a revival particularly dried fish traders. “Business was slow during Ramadan, but in the past two days, we’ve seen a large number of tourists,” said Mofizur Rahman, a dried fish seller at the Burmese Market. “We are hopeful that sales will continue to improve in the coming days,” he said. “Tourist pressure has increased significantly during Eid. Every hotel is fully occupied,” said Abul Kashem Sikder, president of the Cox’s Bazar Hotel Owners’ Association. “We have instructed all establishments to ensure fair pricing and prevent any harassment of visitors,” he said. Authorities tighten security amid huge crowds Amid the surge, authorities have stepped up security measures across the district. Personnel from the district administration, Tourist Police and other law enforcement agencies are maintaining round-the-clock vigilance to ensure the safety of visitors. However, ensuring beach safety remains a challenge due to limited manpower. “After a month and a half of low tourist flow, the beaches are now crowded again,” said Md Imtiaz Ahmed, a project officer of Sea Safe Lifeguard. “We are struggling to ensure safety for over a lakh of tourists with only 27 personnel. Still, we are doing our best.” Tourist Police Sub-Inspector Sujan Chakraborty said security has been given top priority. “With the huge influx of visitors, our teams are on duty across beach areas, hotel zones and entertainment spots,” he said. Deputy Commissioner Abdul Mannan assured that the administration is committed to ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors. “Tourists are guests in our city. We will continue to ensure their safety and provide necessary services,” he said. Extended holidays fuel massive tourist turnout As the holiday continues, Cox’s Bazar remains abuzz with life, reaffirming its status as the country’s most sought-after tourist destination. Following an additional executive order, government employees enjoyed a seven-day holiday from March 17 to 23. Tourists throng Bandarban even on third day of Eid holidays Offices, courts, banks and other institutions reopened  on March 24, with work continuing on March 25 before a public holiday on March 26 for Independence Day. The weekend on March 27–28 will follow, with regular activities resuming on March 29. Those who have taken leave on March 24 and 25 are enjoying a 12-day break.

As spring breathes life into the hills of Khagrachhari, vast stretches of sloping land and crop fields are turning golden with blooming sunflowers, offering a striking visual spectacle and a promising economic opportunity for local farmers. The bright yellow blossoms, standing tall under the soft spring sun, are not only adding colour to the hill landscape but also signalling a shift towards a potentially profitable crop. With relatively low production costs and encouraging yields, sunflower cultivation is emerging as a viable alternative that could strengthen the economy of the district. Bangladesh, known for its six distinct seasons, is now in the heart of spring—a time when nature rejuvenates itself with vibrant flowers and gentle breezes. Amid this seasonal transformation, the hills of Khagrachhari are witnessing a quiet agricultural revolution led by sunflower farming. Primarily an oilseed crop, sunflower is valued for producing high-quality edible oil, as well as for use in bird feed and ornamental purposes. The plant’s unique characteristic of following the sun from east to west during the day adds to its appeal. Each sunflower head is not a single flower but a cluster of over 2,000 tiny florets forming a large bloom. According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) in Khagrachhari, sunflower cultivation has expanded to around 36 hectares across all nine upazilas  this season, maintaining last year’s coverage. Around 300 farmers have been supported with hybrid TSF-275 sunflower seeds and necessary fertilisers under government initiatives. Matiranga, Dighinala and sadar upazilas  have seen the highest concentration of cultivation. In Sapmara area of Matiranga, farmer Keshor Ranjan Tripura said he cultivated sunflower on 40 decimals of land for the first time, following guidance from agricultural officials. “I irrigated the field four times, and the total cost was around Tk 6,000. The yield looks promising—I expect about 10 maunds if everything goes well,” he said. Another farmer, Anjana Tripura from Notun Para, shared a similar experience. She invested around Tk 10,000 per bigha and is hopeful of harvesting between 8 to 10 maunds. “Seeing my success, neighbouring farmers are becoming interested in sunflower cultivation,” she said, adding that she plans to expand farming with further government support. Golden Shift on Teesta: Sunflowers replace tobacco in Lalmonirhat’s char lands Upazila Agriculture Extension Officer Md Selim Rana said farmers in the hill region are being trained and assisted to adopt sunflower as an alternative oilseed crop. “It has strong potential to meet local edible oil demand in the future,” he added. Deputy Director of DAE in Khagrachhari, Nasir Uddin Chowdhury, said the climate and soil are well-suited for sunflower farming. “We are providing seeds, incentives and technical support. Farmers are responding positively, and the crop can play a significant role in boosting the rural economy while reducing dependence on imported edible oil,” he added.

The hill district of Bandarban continues to draw large crowds of tourists even on the third day of Eid-ul-Fitr, as visitors flock to its scenic landscapes of green hills, waterfalls and clouds. After remaining relatively quiet during Ramadan, tourist spots across the district have come alive with the footsteps of travellers, with hotels, motels and resorts reporting near-full occupancy following advance bookings. Nature lovers from different parts of the country have poured into Bandarban, eager to experience its unique blend of hills, rivers, waterfalls and the cultural diversity of its 11 indigenous communities. Popular tourist destinations including Meghla, Nilachal, Shailaprapat, Chimbuk, Nilgiri and Debotakhum are now bustling with visitors. Many tourists expressed fascination at the breathtaking views of hills, rivers and mist-covered landscapes during the Eid holidays. Roduan, a tourist from Dhaka visiting Nilachal, said Bandarban stands out for its natural beauty and cultural diversity. “The combination of hills, rivers, waterfalls and clouds is something you can only truly experience here,” he said. Another visitor, Shirin Akter, who was travelling across different upazilas in the district, said the long Eid break allowed her to explore multiple destinations. “I had heard about Bandarban’s beauty but it’s beyond imagination when seen in person,” she added. To ensure a safe and smooth tourism experience, local authorities have strengthened security measures across tourist spots and accommodation facilities. Members of the Tourist Police have increased surveillance in key locations. President of Bandarban Hotel and Resort Owners Association Md Sirajul Islam said most hotels and resorts in the district have been fully booked during the Eid period. “We have coordinated with hotel owners to ensure that tourists do not face any inconvenience,” he said.  

In a rare twist of weather in the middle of Chaitra, a wintry chill has swept  Faridpur, with dense fog enveloping the district and worrying farmers particularly onion growers. From early Sunday morning, a thick blanket of fog covered fields, roads and homesteads, creating an environment like more a winter dawn than the late dry season.  Even after sunrise, the sun remained obscured for hours as mist lingered, reducing visibility and slowing the rhythm of the morning. A mild, cool breeze added to the unusual atmosphere giving many residents the sense that the seasons had momentarily lost their way. Yet life in rural areas carried on.  Farmers were seen heading to the fields with their cattle, while households went about routine chores. Women members of farming families were busy parboiling paddy in courtyards, as they would on any other morning. “It feels like winter has returned,” said Ashutosh Malo, a farmer from Bhimpur village in Boalmari upazila. “We don’t usually see such dense fog in Chaitra. It is uncomfortable to work in the fields, and I fear it may not be good for crops.” His concern is shared by many, especially onion growers who are now at a crucial stage of cultivation.  Farmers worry that prolonged fog and excessive humidity could harm onion plants, increasing the risk of leaf rot and fungal infections, ultimately affecting yields. According to the district weather office, the situation is linked to seasonal transition.  A slight drop in night-time temperatures combined with high humidity has led to the formation of dense fog in the early hours. Abdus Samad, in-charge of district weather conservatory centre said such conditions may persist for the next few days and advised farmers to take precautionary measures, especially for sensitive crops like onions. “Instead of the usual heat and harsh sun of Chaitra, this sudden chill has given nature a different look,” said Advocate Shahiduzzaman Liton, a nature enthusiast. “But it has also created fresh concern among farmers. Such abrupt changes are not a good sign.”  

As the festive calm of Eid-ul-Fitr settles over the capital, a different kind of movement has taken hold across Dhaka’s major transport hubs. Thousands of homebound people—many of whom spent the final days of Ramadan and even Eid day itself working long hours—are now leaving the city, clutching modest earnings and Eid bonuses, hoping to reunite with families they could not join in time for the festival. From the crowded platforms of Kamalapur Railway Station to the chaotic bus counters at Gabtoli, Kalyanpur and Shyamoli, the scenes reflect both relief and quiet exhaustion. These travellers are not holidaymakers returning from celebration, but workers who sacrificed their Eid to secure extra income in a time of rising living costs. At Shyamoli bus counter, 32-year-old worker Abdul Halim waited with a small travel bag and a packet of sweets for his children in Rangpur. He said he had worked double shifts in the week leading up to Eid and even stayed on duty the day before the festival to qualify for a bonus. “I could have left earlier, but then I would miss the bonus,” he told UNB. “My children were upset, but I promised them I would come just after Eid. This money will help us for the next month.” The bus counters in Shyamoli were busy with similar stories. Men and women, many visibly fatigued, queued for tickets or sat on luggage, waiting for delayed coaches. Transport workers said the post-Eid rush this year appeared more intense than usual, driven largely by those who stayed back to work until the last possible moment. At Kalyanpur bus counter, rickshaw puller Shahid Mia, 45, said he earned nearly double his usual daily income in the last three days before Eid. “People were shopping, travelling, hiring rickshaws all the time,” he said. “If I left early, I would lose that chance. I prayed Eid in Dhaka and started working again the same day.” Shahid is now heading to his village in Kurigram, carrying new clothes for his wife and grandchildren. “It is not the same as celebrating together,” he admitted. “But at least I can take something for them.” Transport workers themselves were among those delaying their journeys home. Bus helpers, drivers and ticket sellers said they remained on duty throughout the holiday period due to high demand. At Gabtoli bus terminal, one of the busiest in the capital, bus supervisor Mizanur Rahman said he had not had a proper break in over a week. “We worked day and night,” he said. “Even on Eid day, buses were running full. Now I am taking leave for two days to go home.” The terminal was slightly crowded with passengers trying to board buses to northern districts. Many complained of long waits and limited availability of tickets, as transport services struggled to cope with the sudden surge. Among them was domestic worker Rokeya Begum, who had spent Eid day cooking and cleaning in her employer’s home in Dhanmondi. She said she was allowed to leave only after completing her duties. “I started work early in the morning on Eid day,” she said. “There were guests all day. I could not even call my family properly. Today I am going home with my salary and a small bonus.” Her destination is Thakurgaon, where her two young daughters are waiting with relatives. “They wore their Eid dresses without me,” she said quietly. “Now I will go and celebrate with them, even if it is late.” At Kamalapur Railway Station, the situation was equally intense. Trains departing for Rajshahi, Khulna and Chattogram were filled to capacity, with many passengers standing in aisles or sitting on the floor. Railway officials said the post-Eid pressure is a familiar pattern but has grown more pronounced in recent years as more low-income workers delay travel to maximise earnings during the festive period. Among the crowd was Mohammad Sohel, a food delivery rider who worked throughout Ramadan evenings and continued on Eid day. “Eid is actually one of the busiest days for us,” he said. “People order food for guests. I made good money, but I could not go home.” Sohel is now travelling to Cumilla, carrying a new mobile set he bought for his younger brother. “This is my way of celebrating,” he said. “It is late, but still meaningful.” Many small businessmen also stayed back in Dhaka to capitalise on last-minute Eid shopping. Nur Alam, who runs a fruit shop on footpath at Shyamoli cinema hall area,  said he sold a considerable size of various types of fruits on Eid day also which gives him a good amount of profit. “Sales were very good, so I decided to stay and sell. Now I am going home with more money than I expected.” Economists say such behaviour reflects the economic pressures faced by low-income urban workers, who often prioritise income over social rituals. “Eid is both a religious and economic event,” said a Dhaka-based labour analyst works for an international organisation. “For many marginal workers, the scope to earn extra income during this period is too important to miss. They delay their returning home, even if it means missing the core celebration.” However, the delayed journey home comes with its own challenges. Extra pressure of passengers, higher fares in some cases, and physical exhaustion sometimes make the trip difficult. At Gabtoli, several passengers alleged that some buses were charging above the standard fare, taking advantage of the demand. Although authorities said monitoring teams were active, enforcement remained uneven. Despite the hardships, there was a sense of quiet determination among travellers. For many, the journey home—even after Eid—remains deeply significant. Back at Shyamoli, Abdul Halim finally boarded a crowded bus after hours of waiting. As the vehicle slowly pulled away, he looked visibly relieved. “Eid is not only one day,” he said with a faint smile. “When I reach home and sit with my family, that will be my Eid.” Across Dhaka’s transport hubs, similar journeys were unfolding—stories of labour, sacrifice and delayed joy. While the city returns to its routine, these Working people carry with them the different kinds of Eid experience, shaped not by celebration, but by the need to earn, endure and eventually return home.

While millions across Bangladesh mark Eid-ul-Fitr with prayers, feasts and family reunions, the day unfolds very differently for thousands of day labourers, rickshaw pullers and transport workers in the capital. For them, Eid is less about celebration and more about survival, as work obligations and economic necessity keep them tied to the city, far from loved ones waiting in distant villages. From the early hours of the morning, when worshippers gather at mosques and open grounds for Eid prayers, many among the urban working class are already on the move. Their day begins not with new clothes or festive meals, but with the familiar urgency of earning enough to sustain their families. At Gabtoli, one of Dhaka’s busiest transport hubs, drivers, helpers and ticket sellers remain occupied even on Eid morning. Long-distance buses continue to arrive and depart, carrying passengers returning to the capital after celebrating Eid in their village homes. For transport workers, the holiday often means longer shifts rather than rest. Abdul Jalil, a 42-year-old bus helper, said he had not been home to Kurigram for Eid in three years. “If I go home, I lose income. My children are small. They expect new clothes and good food. I send money instead. That is my Eid,” he said, standing beside a coach preparing for departure. Like Jalil, countless transport workers choose to stay back, ensuring the city’s wheels keep turning. Their work becomes even more crucial during Eid, when travel demand surges. Yet, this necessity comes at a personal cost — missing the warmth of family gatherings, the joy of children, and the peace of village life. Across the city, rickshaw pullers form another group for whom Eid brings little respite. With many residents travelling out of Dhaka, the streets may appear quieter, but those who remain still depend on rickshaws for movement. For pullers, this creates an opportunity to earn slightly more than usual, prompting many to forgo visits home. In Dhanmondi, 35-year-old rickshaw puller Shah Alam was seen waiting for passengers shortly after Eid prayers concluded. Originally from Gaibandha, he said he had sent most of his earnings to his wife and two children. “They bought clothes for Eid. I talked to them on the phone this morning. They were happy. That is enough for me,” he said with a faint smile. However, his voice carried a sense of quiet resignation. “Of course I want to be there. But if I leave, who will earn? Eid comes every year, but expenses are every day.” Day labourers, particularly those engaged in construction and informal work, face an even harsher reality. With many worksites temporarily closed during Eid, their already irregular income becomes uncertain. Some try to find alternative work, while others remain in the city in the hope of securing small jobs. At Mohammadpur, a group of labourers gathered near a bazar, hoping to be hired for loading, unloading or other odd tasks. Among them was 28-year-old Mizanur Rahman from Sunamganj. He said he could not afford the journey home this year. “The bus fare has increased. If I go home, I will spend everything. Then how will I survive after Eid?” he asked. Instead, he sent money to his parents and younger siblings. “They celebrated. I stayed here. It is painful, but this is life.” The emotional toll of such separation is often overlooked. For many workers, Eid serves as a reminder of the distance between their aspirations and reality. Phone calls and mobile money transfers have become substitutes for physical presence, but they cannot replace the experience of sharing meals or embracing loved ones. Transport workers, in particular, describe Eid as one of the busiest and most demanding times of the year. Drivers must remain alert for long hours, navigating crowded roads and tight schedules. Helpers manage passengers and luggage, often under stressful conditions. At Sayedabad, truck driver Kamal Hossain said he had been on the road since the previous night. Transporting goods is essential to keep markets supplied during Eid, he explained. “People need food, clothes, everything. If we stop, the system stops,” he said. Yet, behind this sense of duty lies personal sacrifice. “My family is in Barishal. They had Eid without me. I will go after a few days, Inshallah,” he added. In areas like Badda and Uttara, where a significant number of low-income workers reside in rented accommodations, Eid day often passes quietly. With many house owners and employers away, these neighbourhoods take on a subdued atmosphere. Small groups of workers gather to share simple meals, sometimes cooking together to recreate a sense of community. For some, charitable distributions provide temporary relief. Local residents and organisations distribute food, clothing and small amounts of money, offering a glimpse of the festive spirit. However, such assistance remains limited compared to the scale of need. Economists and labour rights advocates note that the situation reflects deeper structural challenges. The informal sector, which employs a large portion of the urban workforce, lacks social protection, job security and paid leave. As a result, workers must choose between income and personal well-being, even during major religious festivals. “Eid highlights inequality in a very visible way,” said one labour activist. “For middle and upper-income groups, it is a time of joy and family. For many workers, it is a reminder of economic pressure and social discrimination.” Despite these hardships, many workers express resilience and a sense of responsibility towards their families. Sending money home, ensuring children can celebrate, and maintaining a steady income remain their top priorities. Back in Gabtoli, as the day progressed and buses continued to move in and out, Abdul Jalil paused briefly between trips. Asked what Eid meant to him, he reflected for a moment before replying, “Eid means happiness. But happiness is different for different people. For me, it is knowing my family is okay.” As evening approaches and families across the country gather for festive meals, thousands of workers in Dhaka will continue their routines — pulling rickshaws, driving vehicles, or waiting for the next opportunity to earn. Their Eid is quieter, marked not by celebration but by endurance. Yet, within that endurance lies a profound expression of care — a commitment to families far away, sustained through sacrifice, distance and the hope of better days ahead.