Festive mood sweeps Dhaka streets ahead of polls tomorrow
Many city residents said people were preparing to travel to their respective constituencies, while others were returning to Dhaka to cast their ballots.
Aslam, a rickshaw puller waiting for passengers at Mirpur-10 roundabout, was watching the unusually quiet roads of the capital as many residents left the city to vote in their constituencies.
Having transferred his voting area from Sirajganj to Dhaka-16, he plans to cast his ballot in the city.
"Today, the roads in Dhaka are completely empty. There is no traffic congestion," he told TBS.
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"Yesterday I earned more than Tk3,000 in a day, but today I have not even made Tk300 since morning. Even then, there is no regret. After 17 years people will be able to vote, and I will be able to as well. So, the festival of voting is bigger than the income."
A similar picture emerged across several parts of the capital, including Mirpur, Shyamoli, Kalyanpur, Gabtoli, Farmgate, Kawran Bazar, Shahbagh, Paltan and Motijheel.
Many residents said people were preparing to travel to their respective constituencies, while others were returning to Dhaka to cast their ballots.
Bithi Akter travelled with her family from Savar to Dhaka-15 to vote tomorrow.
"Dhaka is as empty as Eid today. I did not even realise when the bus reached Mirpur from Savar. Other times, it takes two to three times longer," she said.
She added that a festive mood was visible in different areas.
"I have not seen such a festive atmosphere during election time in the last 15 to 20 years," she said.
At a tea stall in Shewrapara, several residents gathered for a conversation that quickly turned to the election.
Abu Yusuf, who works in Narayanganj but is registered as a voter in Dhaka, said he arrived early to stay at a friend's house before voting.
"Although I became a voter in 2010, I will vote for the first time this time. I have never seen an election environment like this before. Everyone is in a cheerful mood," he said.
At Bijoy Sarani, Hafizul was out walking with his family during the holiday.
"Looking at the environment of this election, it feels like an Eid festival is going on. Tomorrow, I will go to the centre with everyone in the family to vote," he said.
At Farmgate, Humayra Begum waited for a bus to travel to her village home in Faridpur.
"The whole family is going together. I could not get a seat yesterday, so I am going today. I do not want to miss this festive vote in any way. We want the election to be completed in a fair environment," she said.
Transport workers also described changes in traffic patterns.
Raju, a helper for Shekor Paribahan, said passenger pressure had fallen compared to the previous day.
"Yesterday, many vehicles went outside Dhaka on reserve hire due to passenger pressure. Today the roads are quieter and there are fewer vehicles. Extra fare is not being taken today," he said.
Across the capital, quieter roads, lighter traffic and conversations centred on voting reflected a festive yet anticipatory atmosphere as residents prepared for polling day.
