The Eid holiday exodus from the capital Dhaka has apparently started from this (Tuesday) afternoon but the surge of travellers, mainly heading to their village homes for the upcoming celebrations of Eid-ul Fitr, were seen at key transport hubs like the Sadarghat Launch Terminal, Kamalapur Railway Station, and various bus terminals across the capital from the morning.
Tomorrow (Wednesday) is the official holiday for Independence Day on March 26, followed by the last working day of the week on Thursday, March 27. Government and private offices are likely to see low attendance on Thursday. That is why, a massive wave of people from Dhaka’s offices are departing the capital from Tuesday evening. But the pressure of home bound people on transportation networks will be intensified further on Thursday as the holiday approaches.
Sources from various media and social organizations predict that nearly 10 million people from Dhaka’s two city corporations will leave the capital for their ancestral home villages. These people will travel by buses, trains, and launches, marking the start of what is expected to be one of the busiest travel periods of the year.
This year, Eid-ul-Fitr is expected to be celebrated on March 31 (Monday). Consequently, from March 25 to March 30, the exodus will continue with over 10 million expected to leave Dhaka, with Thursday seeing the highest traffic surge.
While garment factories will remain operational until Thursday, many workers in this sector will head home immediately after work, adding to the massive influx of travelers. However, the number of passengers traveling by road, rail, and waterways will rise to unprecedented levels from Friday.
According to reports from citizens’ groups such as the National Committee for the Protection of Roads, Railways, and Waterways, and the Shipping and Communication Reporters’ Forum (SCRF), the travel distribution for Eid will be as follows: 15% of the passengers will use water routes, 25% will travel by rail, and a staggering 60% will opt for road transport.
More than 17 million Eid holidaymakers expected to depart Greater Dhaka
Mohammad Shahid Mia, President of the National Committee, remarked, “Our joint observations have shown that 50% of the two million people living in Dhaka’s metropolitan area will travel back home or to other destinations for Eid. This year, the pressure on all forms of transportation will be intense, especially from Thursday afternoon.”
As Dhaka city witnesses this significant migration of people, concerned authorities, including law enforcement agencies and transport officials are preparing for a busy and challenging few days ahead, ensuring safety and smooth operations for the thousands of families eager to reunite for the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations.