Road accidents claimed 249 lives and left 553 injured  in just 11 days during the Eid-ul-Fitr vacation when a total of 257 accidents occurred, according to data compiled by the Road Safety Foundation. Forty-one women and 59 children were among the dead, it said. Over 2000 people were injured across the country during this period but according to the media report, RSF found only 553 injuries during Eid holidays. The report was made after analysing accident reports published in the country's national and regional dailies and online media during the period. It said 106 people were killed in some 114 motorbike accidents across the country which is 42.57 % of the total fatalities. Among those killed in road accidents in 11 days, 39 were pedestrians which is 15.66 percent of the total deaths and 32 were drivers and assistants of the drivers of different vehicles which was 12.85% of the total fatalities. Additionally, during this period, 13 people were killed and 15 others injured in six waterway accidents while 12 were killed and eight injured in 17 railway accidents, it said. 2 killed, 21 injured in Bogura road accident Vehicles involved in the accidents include 19.11 percent buses, 13 percent pick-up vans, covered vans and lorries, 7.35 percent private cars and microbuses, 29.16 percent motorbikes, 21.56 percent local vehicles, 5.14 percent battery-run human haulers, 2.69 percent bicycles  and 1.96 percent unknown vehicles. Of the accidents, 33.85 percent occurred on national highways, 38.13% on regional roads and 16.73percent and 11.28% on other roads. The report reveals that Dhaka division saw the highest number of deaths with 28.79 percent fatalities while Sylhet division recorded the lowest number of accidents with just 2.72 percent fatalities. Three killed in Jashore road accident At least 62 people died in 74 accidents in the capital city Dhaka, according to the report.    

Some 10.7 million mobile users left Dhaka during the extended nine-day public holiday for Eid ul-Fitr, spanning from March 28 to April 3. This information, based on data from the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC), covers users of four major telecom operators—Grameenphone, Robi, Banglalink and Teletalk. Faiz Ahmad Tayyab, special assistant to the chief adviser shared this data on his Facebook account. According to his post, during the holiday period, 10.7 million mobile users left Dhaka, while 4.4 million users entered the city. Due to the lack of precise data on how many individuals left Dhaka for other destinations, this estimate is based on the number of mobile users. Children and individuals who do not use mobile phones are excluded from this calculation, while those who use multiple SIM cards are included. The highest number of people left Dhaka on March 30, the day before Eid, with 2.39 million mobile users recorded as departing the capital. Between March 28 and 31, 7.75 million mobile users left Dhaka. Eid holiday ends; holidaymakers continue returning to workplaces  After Eid, a significant number of people continued to leave the city, with 2.99 million mobile users recorded as leaving Dhaka between April 1 and 3. As government offices, courts, and banks reopened on Sunday, April 6, many of those who had returned to their hometowns began returning to Dhaka. By this point, 4.44 million mobile users had reentered the capital, with a peak of 998,579 users returning last Friday. This data gives a clear indication of the massive movement of people within the country during the Eid festivities, highlighting the widespread migration to and from Dhaka during the holiday season.

Banks, insurance companies, non-bank financial institutions (NBFIs), and stock markets across the country will reopen on Sunday following the Eid-ul-Fitr holiday. As per the Bangladesh Bank's directive, banking hours will be from 10:00 am to 3:30 pm from Sunday to Thursday as per pre-Ramadan schedule. Eid holiday ends; holidaymakers continue returning to workplaces  Meanwhile, office hours for insurance companies and NBFIs will be from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm on working days. Trading on the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) and Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) will take place between 10 am and 2:30 pm, followed by a 10-minute post-closing session.

The nine-day Eid holiday officially ends on Saturday though many holidaymakers returned to their workplaces a day or two earlier to avoid the crowds. On Friday, some bus stations in the capital including Gabtoli, Kalyanpur, Mohakhali, Sayedabad, Jatrabari, Kamalapur Railway Station, and Sadarghat Launch Terminal saw a moderate rush of people heading towards Dhaka. To avoid the last-minute rush and hassle, several chose to return before the holiday officially ended. Jubayer, a private-sector employee returning to Dhaka by bus from Feni with his family on Friday morning, said "I returned a day earlier as the last day would be crowded. There was no traffic gridlock on Dhaka-Chattogtram highway and the journey was comfortable." Transport owners said long holiday allowed people to travel with relatively less hassle both while going to and returning from the villages. Severe heat wave may hit Bangladesh this month: Met office On Saturday, the final day of the holiday, passenger pressure on roads and public transport could be higher than usual, they said. Although many have started returning to Dhaka the capital’s roads remain relatively empty, allowing its residents enjoy the congestion-free atmosphere. Public transport is also seeing fewer passengers than usual. However, personal cars, rickshaws, and motorcycles were seen around recreational spots and open spaces in the capital. Some residents, enjoying the holiday and lack of traffic, were seen touring different parts of the city. Motiur Rahman, a resident of Malibagh area who went out on Friday afternoon with his family in a private car, said, "I celebrated Eid in Dhaka. We are touring Dhaka to enjoy the holiday. If Dhaka were always this empty, people wouldn't feel so overwhelmed." The government had earlier approved a nine-day holiday for its employees—from 28 March to 5 April—to facilitate Eid celebrations. The homebound rush began on 26 March, with the country celebrating Eid-ul-Fitr, one of the most significant religious festivals for Muslims, on 31 March.

While millions in Bangladesh celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr with feasts, new clothes, and family gatherings the slum dwellers of Dhaka face a different reality. In the charred remnants of the Mahakhali 'Saat Tola' slum, where a devastating fire recently razed homes and belongings, residents struggle to find even a semblance of festivity. Many, like Sumi,36, a mother of two, are trapped in a cycle of poverty and Eid isjust another day of struggle for survival. A Life of Unending Struggle Sumi, who has spent her entire life in the slum, said, “My husband works hard, but his earnings barely cover our rent of Tk 5,000. I want to educate my daughters, but how? If I go to work, there’s no one to protect them from the dangers here." What happens to patients during long Eid holiday! Her story echoes across the slum, where men work as rickshaw pullers, CNG drivers, or garment labourers, while women take up domestic work—all for wages that barely sustain them. “Many days, we can’t even afford two meals," Sumi adds.

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. Eid Through Generations: A three-dimensional celebration in DhakaAs 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.” Eid Films: Dhallywood superstars counting on festive spirit to breathe life into moribund industryMizanur 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 DutyFor 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.” Pakistani attires reign supreme in Dhaka’s Eid shopping frenzyDespite 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 HomeZaima 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 TraditionAccording 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.

Thousands of worshippers gathered at Sylhet Shahi Eidgah for the main Eid ul-Fitr congregation on Monday. The congregation, which started at 8:30 AM, was led by Maulana Mushtaq Ahmad Khan, the Imam and Khatib of the Bandar Bazaar Central Jame Masjid. Prior to the prayer, a sermon was delivered by Hafiz Maulana Kamal Uddin, the Imam and Khatib of the same mosque. Eid Through Generations: A three-dimensional celebration in Dhaka SMP’s Additional Deputy Commissioner (Media), Mohammad Saiful Islam, said, “The sacred Eid ul-Fitr congregation was held at the Shahi Eidgah with the participation of thousands of worshippers under adequate security arrangements.” Notably, the sermon and the supplication following the prayers were led by the renowned scholar of the subcontinent, Shaykhul Hadith Allama Mufti Rashidur Rahman Faruk (Baruni). During the prayer’s conclusion, worshippers raised their hands in heartfelt supplication, seeking forgiveness for their sins. Many were moved to tears as they prayed for peace, welfare, and the well-being of the nation, as well as for the Muslim community worldwide. After the prayer, a spirit of unity and warmth filled the air as worshippers greeted each other with hugs, creating a harmonious atmosphere across the Eidgah grounds. The congregation at the Eidgah saw the participation of various political leaders, senior administrative officials, journalists, and people from different professions, all coming together to offer their prayers. This year, Sylhet’s second-largest Eid congregation was held at the Dargah Hazrat Shah Jalal (R.) shrine mosque, while the third-largest congregation took place at the Aliya Madrasa field. In addition to these, Eid congregations were also held at Kudrat Ullah Jame Masjid, Shah Paran (R.) shrine mosque, and the Tabligh Jamaat gathering place at Khozarakhla Jame Masjid. According to the police administration, a total of 2,846 Eid congregations took place in Eidgahs and mosques throughout Sylhet district and city. Of these, 392 congregations were held in Sylhet city, with 305 held in mosques and 87 in Eidgah. In the wider Sylhet district, 2,454 Eid congregations took place, with 2,043 in mosques and 411 in Eidgah. This information was confirmed by both the Sylhet District and Metropolitan Police and the Islamic Foundation. Given the changed circumstances this year, the Sylhet Metropolitan Police (SMP) and district police established a special security ring for the first Eid celebration. Strict security measures were also implemented for the Eid congregations and in the subsequently quieter city and tourist spots. To ensure safety, the police established a four-layer security ring around the Eid congregations. Traffic and patrol police were stationed at checkpoints, and thorough searches were conducted in the Eidgah grounds and surrounding areas. 6 lakh devotees offer Eid prayer in Kishoreganj’s Sholakia ground Additionally, all police units remained on high alert to prevent crimes such as house thefts, highway robberies, and muggings in the deserted streets. The Tourist Police were also prepared to provide enhanced security in tourist areas.

Half a century ago, Eid celebrations in Dhaka were vastly different from what they are today. The Gen Z generation's way of marking the occasion is almost unrecognisable to the Gen X individuals born in the 1960s. Meanwhile, millennials from the 1990s often experience nostalgia for the traditions of their childhood Eids. Eid Films: Dhallywood superstars counting on festive spirit to breathe life into moribund industry To comprehend Eid festivities in Dhaka before Pakistan's rule, one must turn to history. But, those who witnessed Eid from the 1970s onward claim that contemporary celebrations bear little resemblance to the past. Particularly, there is hardly any similarity between the Eid memories of Gen Z, born in the 21st century, and Gen X, who were born around 1965. Yet, Gen X individuals argue that their Eid experiences were quite similar to those of the Baby Boomers, born before 1965. Eid in Old Dhaka: A Nostalgic Journey Shah Ali Mia (62), a spare parts trader in Old Dhaka for four decades, reminisces about his childhood Eid in the capital. “Dhaka was not as expansive, and Gulshan-Banani had yet to become the city’s elite hub. The real joy of Eid was in Old Dhaka. One of the biggest traditions on Chand Raat was going to the banks of the Buriganga River at Sadarghat-Swarighat to sight the moon. The elite of the time would pre-book boats, and after Iftar, they would row to the middle of the river with guns in hand. Once the moon was spotted in the clear water, they would fire celebratory shots to announce Eid. The gunfire would continue for an hour as boats across the river joined in," he said. Ali also recalls the traditional Eid morning meal: shir khurma. “Before heading for Eid prayers, we would drink shir khurma, made from finely chopped dates soaked overnight in thickened milk.” Over time, however, shir khurma was gradually replaced by payesh and semai. Corporate employee Safiul Rahman (35), a resident of Becharam Dewri, adds, “In our fathers’ and grandfathers’ time, semai was also common, but it wasn’t the packaged version. A machine called ‘chutki’ was used to make it fresh the night before Eid. As demand for packaged semai grew in the 1980s, homemade chutki semai disappeared, and shir khurma was replaced by lachcha semai and sweet bakarkhani.” For millennials and Gen X, semai and payesh remain staples, but Gen Z has different preferences. College student Saimun (19) has never even heard of shir khurma. “In our house, payesh is a must, but I prefer it cold from the fridge. What I really enjoy on Eid morning is pudding, falooda, or fruit custard. I don’t feel like eating semai or payesh so early, so my mum makes pudding the night before and keeps it in the fridge.” Pakistani attires reign supreme in Dhaka’s Eid shopping frenzy Chand Raat and Eid Night: From Qasida to Netflix Hossain Sardar (67), who spent three decades in Old Dhaka before moving to Badda, recalls how qasida was a core part of Eid preparations. “During sehri, groups of boys would sing qasida, competing against one another. On Chand Raat, they would set up pandal tents in alleyways to prepare for Eid night qawwali sessions, which lasted till dawn.” Today, qawwali has vanished from Dhaka’s Eid scene. For the 1990s generation, renting VCRs to watch movies on Eid night was the highlight. Yasmin Jahan Rumki (38) remembers, “VCR rental shops would be packed across Dhaka. Those with TVs at home rented VCRs, and neighbours gathered for an all-night movie marathon. Some preferred to visit cinemas for the latest Eid releases.” While Gen Z still watches movies, the experience has moved from cinema halls to Cineplexes. In Old Dhaka, Hindi songs blaring from speakers mark the night’s celebrations, while others spend Eid night binge-watching Netflix or gaming. School student Rushna (16) shares, “Our Eid night tradition is watching movies on Netflix or playing card games with siblings. Some of my friends organise PlayStation tournaments. Since there’s no school pressure, everyone celebrates in their way.” From Horse Races to Restaurants During the Mughal era, emperors and governors attended Eid prayers on elephants. Gen X did not witness such grandeur but still holds fond memories of horse races. Sirajul Haque (69) recounts, “Previously, horse races were held at Racecourse (now Suhrawardy Udyan). Even after independence, smaller horse races took place in local fields, surrounded by Eid fairs. As children, we were captivated by the handmade toys at these fairs.” In the 1990s, horse races and boat races outside Dhaka added excitement to Eid. Toy pistols known as cutis pistols, which made a loud bang using gunpowder paper, were a popular purchase for Tk 15. Girls, on the other hand, were drawn to balloons, dolls, whistles, and lipsticks. Today, Eid fairs have lost their appeal. Many Gen Z youths prefer spending Eid afternoons at restaurants or exploring nearby entertainment spots. University student Safwan (23) says, “Most Eids, I travel to my village. But when I celebrate in Dhaka, it’s all about dining at a top restaurant with friends or riding around the empty streets on a bike.” Dr Shoaib-ur-Rahman, Associate Professor of Tourism and Hospitality Management at Dhaka University, comments, “For the younger generation, Eid in Dhaka has become restaurant-centric. Even Singapore doesn’t have as many restaurants as Dhaka. Without proper urban planning, Eid celebrations have become confined within the walls of eateries.” Evolution of Salami Another crucial aspect of Eid is salami. Some now call it Eidi after the Middle Eastern tradition, but its essence remains unchanged—only the method of giving has evolved. Husne Ara (60+) recalls, “We believed giving children money would spoil them, so younger kids received toys or sweets instead of cash. Only those over 12 were given salami in crisp new notes.” Agreeing with her, Rawatun Nabi (29) adds, “I still love receiving new banknotes as salami. It was always accompanied by Eid greeting cards, which ranged from Tk 5 to Tk 50. We treasured both the money and the cards.” With mobile financial services and digital banking, salami and Eid greetings have changed dramatically. Intern at a software company, Adiba Afroz Lili (23) explains, “It’s often inconvenient to have fresh notes or to be physically present to give salami. Digital transfers solve this issue. And while paper Eid cards have declined, digital greeting cards have taken their place.” Cox’s Bazar ready to welcome Eid holidaymakers to its sandy shores A Changing Celebration According to the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics, Dhaka’s core city now houses over 10.2 million people, with most households averaging fewer than four members. Experts argue that as joint families give way to nuclear ones, even grand celebrations like Eid are becoming increasingly confined. Adil Muhammad Khan, President of the Bangladesh Institute of Planners, observes, “Eid in Dhaka is now limited and constrained. Once, Eid fairs and communal sports brought neighbourhoods together, but many of those fields have vanished. Consequently, Eid celebrations have shrunk into a structured routine.” To revitalise Dhaka’s Eid spirit, the city itself must first be revived. Though generational differences may remain, expanding the scope of festivities could bridge the divide and bring back the collective joy of Eid.

Like the rest of the country, Eid-ul-Fitr is being celebrated in Barishal with due religious solemnity and festivity. The main Eid congregation was held at 8:00 am on Monday, at Hemayet Uddin Central Eidgah ground on Band Road in the city. Dr Yunus offers Eid prayers at National Eidgah Barishal Divisional Commissioner Raihan Kauser, Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Delwar Hossain, BNP Chairperson’s Adviser Advocate Mojibur Rahman Sarwar, Central Jamaat Assistant Secretary General Advocate Moazzem Hossain Helal, along with leaders of various political, social, cultural, and professional organisations, as well as worshippers from different walks of life, participated in the main congregation. Devotees have expressed gratitude for being able to perform the Eid congregation in a peaceful and orderly environment. After many years, BNP and Jamaat leaders offered Eid prayers together at Barishal Eidgah ground this time. On the occasion, they expressed their hope to celebrate next year’s Eid under a non-partisan and elected government. A special prayer was offered for the peace of the country and the Muslim Ummah. Devotees exchanged Eid greetings with one another after the prayer. Eid Eve: Last-minute shopping frenzy in Dhaka's markets and footpaths Meanwhile, law enforcement agencies ensured strict security around the main Eid congregation. Eid prayers were held in approximately 450 mosques across Barishal.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Monday offered the holy Eid-ul-Fitr prayers at the National Eidgah in Dhaka. Members of the Council of Advisers also offered the Eid prayers at the same venue. 'Eid of sadness': Palestinians in Gaza mark Muslim holiday with dwindling food and no end to war Dr Yunus will exchange Eid greetings with dignitaries from different walks of life at his office in Tejgaon, Chief Adviser's Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder said. Tarique Rahman extends Eid greetings to Bangladeshis, Muslim Ummah Earlier, the Chief Adviser greeted the people of the country on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr. "I wish everyone a joyful Eid Mubarak. During Eid, may you travel to your homes peacefully and joyfully with your family," he said. 5 congregational Eid prayers to be held at Baitul Mukarram