With Eid-ul-Fitr being celebrated today (Monday), millions of people have already left Dhaka to reunite with their families and celebrate the joyous occasion, but not everyone has the luxury of travelling home for Eid.
Many individuals have stayed back in Dhaka due to professional commitments or personal circumstances. Their stories, particularly those of young women spending Eid alone, reflect the sacrifices made in pursuit of education, career goals and responsibilities.
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As educational institutions closed for the Eid holidays, most students have returned home. Yet, a handful of female students at Dhaka University’s Rokeya Hall, have chosen to remain behind to continue their studies and prepare for upcoming exams.
One such student, Tamanna, said, “Eid at the hall and Eid with family are completely different experiences. Still, some of us chose to stay. Travelling home means battling the traffic, only to return soon after. If I go home, I won’t be able to study properly. So, I had to make this sacrifice. If I perform well, my parents will be happy, and this sadness will fade. I will miss celebrating with my parents, younger siblings, and cousins, but I must stay for the sake of my future.”
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Mizanur Rahman, the hall guard, mentioned that around 40-45 students are staying back this year. “We cook special meals for them on Eid. Everyone gathers to celebrate as best they can. The gates close at night, so they cannot stay out too long. Most remain due to their studies or because their homes are too far away.”
Dr Hosne Ara Begum, the Provost of Rokeya Hall, said, “Students stay behind for various reasons—studies, personal matters, or religious commitments. This year, about 40-45 students remain, compared to nearly 200 last year. Since the holidays are longer this time, most students have travelled home. We strive to create a familial atmosphere for those who stay behind, providing meals throughout the day, though we cannot fully replicate the warmth of home.”
Healthcare and Media Professionals Sacrifice Eid for Duty
For some professionals, duty takes precedence over personal celebrations.
Fariha (not her real name), a medical officer at a private hospital in Mohammadpur, Dhaka, has not been granted leave this Eid, much like the previous Eid-ul-Azha. With her family residing in Barishal, she finds it painful to celebrate without them.
“Living alone is already difficult. Missing Eid with my parents is even harder. However, when I serve patients, their gratitude helps me forget my hardships. Their smiles bring joy to my heart.”
Similarly, Noboni (not her real name), a journalist at a news agency, has spent the past few Eids in Dhaka due to work obligations.
She said, “I live alone in Badda. We usually get leave for one of the two Eid festivals, but duty often comes first. Since I live in the north of the country, travelling home within just three days is almost impossible. By the time I pass through the traffic, the day is nearly over. Later, I plan to take leave, but work pressure keeps delaying it.”
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Despite the difficulty, Noboni finds fulfilment in her role. “As frontliners, our responsibility to the nation is significant. The satisfaction of ensuring people’s safety during Eid outweighs the sacrifice. People trust our reports, so it is our professional duty to provide accurate information. The office has become my second family.”
Part-Time Workers Face Challenges in Returning Home
Zaima Riyan, a private university student working part-time, is also unable to return home for Eid. “My university is closed, but my workplace only gives two days off—Eid day and the day after. It is impossible to travel home for such a short time. I started this job recently, working after classes to ease my parents’ financial burden. I had hoped to visit home, but since I cannot, I have sent gifts to my parents instead. The hardest part is not being able to hand them over in person.”
A Nation Balancing Work and Tradition
According to the latest report from the Ministry of Public Administration, Bangladesh has 1,396,818 government employees, with 987,679 men and 409,139 women, making up approximately 29% of the total workforce.
The remaining 71% work in the private sector, many without official holidays. Among them are essential workers such as doctors, journalists, police officers, and administrative staff, whose commitment keeps the country running even during the most festive periods.
For those staying behind in Dhaka, the joy of Eid is bittersweet. While they deeply miss their families, they remain committed to their responsibilities, striving for a better future. Their sacrifices, though painful, reflect resilience, dedication, and a sense of duty that is truly commendable.