A large number of people are leaving Dhaka ahead of the election holidays, creating heavy pressure on public transport as many operators charge nearly double the usual fares due to risisng demand.

Visiting Abdullahpur bus terminal on Tuesday morning, UNB found a huge crowd of passengers waiting for buses amid an acute shortage of available seats.

Monjurul Islam, a private sector employee, said he came to Abdullahpur from Narayanganj after failing to get a seat there.

 “The situation here is almost the same. There are very few buses and most are already overcrowded. I have been waiting for more than two hours but still could not board a bus.”

A woman travelling to Sirajganj alleged that transport operators are charging excessive fares by taking advantage of the rush.

“Normally, the fare to Sirajganj is between Tk 300 and Tk 350. Today, they asked for more than double. After bargaining, I managed to buy a ticket for Tk 700,” she said.

Bangladesh Polls: Electioneering ends as parties leave voters with promises

When contacted, a driver of Sirajganj-bound OVI Enterprise declined to comment on the allegations of higher fares.

A special holiday was declared on February 10 for workers and employees in industrial areas to facilitate voting.

Meanwhile, the government announced holidays on February 11 and 12 for officials and employees of all government, semi-government, autonomous and private offices, as well as teachers and staff of educational institutions across the country.

The holidays will be followed by the regular weekly holidays on February 13 and 14.

The Election Commission has announced limits on vehicle movement around the 13th national parliamentary election and referendum.

According to a handout, the movement of taxis, pickups, microbuses and trucks will be restricted from 12am on 11 February until 12am on 12 February, the day of the polls.

Besides, motorcycles will be barred from operating from 12am on 10 February through midnight on 13 February.