Eid holiday ends today: Early travellers enjoy smooth journey

Although the nine-day Eid-ul-Fitr holiday ends today, many people began returning to Dhaka a day early to avoid the expected travel rush. 

Moderate crowds were seen at several entry points to the capital, including Gabtoli, Kalyanpur, Technical intersection, Mohakhali, Sayedabad, Jatrabari, Kamalapur railway station, and Sadarghat launch terminal.

Passengers returning yesterday said this year's Eid journey was more comfortable compared to previous years. Many opted to come back a day early to avoid last-minute crowds and transport difficulties.

Humayun, a private sector employee, returned to Dhaka from Barishal by launch with his family.

"I came back a day early to avoid the crowd. There was a moderate number of people on the launch, but not like before when we could not even find space to stand. The fare was normal, and no extra charge was taken for Eid," he told The Business Standard.

Transport operators also observed a steady flow of returning passengers yesterday and expect greater pressure today.

They said the extended holiday allowed people to plan their trips in a more staggered manner.

Mohammad Shahrukh, who returned from Natore, said, "I work in a private office, and it opens tomorrow, so I left [Friday] morning. There was no traffic jam. The journey was smooth."

He said he paid Tk820 for a Grameen Travels ticket from Chapainawabganj, which he booked online, as tickets from Natore were unavailable.

At the Kalyanpur counter of Shyamoli NR Travels, counter manager Mohammad Hridoy said, "All our buses arrived with full passengers [on Friday]. We are expecting higher pressure [on Saturday]. All advance tickets for Saturday have already been sold out."

Mohammad Jamal, who came from Barishal with his family, said, "My office reopens on Sunday, so I decided to return early. Now I plan to spend a day in Dhaka with my family."

Passenger Mohsin Miah, who travelled from Chattogram, said, "I returned early to avoid the crowd and also to spend some time with friends. It is difficult to get tickets at the last moment. Also, considering the recent road accidents, I thought it would be safer to travel before the rush. This Eid journey was much more comfortable than before."

Despite the gradual return of people, Dhaka's streets remained relatively quiet yesterday. Those already in the city enjoyed the traffic-free environment. Public transport remained underutilised in many areas.

In areas such as Kalyanpur, Shyamoli, Asad Gate, Dhanmondi, Karwan Bazar, Shahbagh, Motijheel, and Mohakhali, pedestrian and vehicular movement increased slightly compared to the past two days. However, many buses were still running with empty seats.

Milon, a driver of Shikor Paribahan, said, "There was pressure in the morning from Sadarghat to Mirpur, but from noon, buses ran with half-empty seats. Half of our buses are still off the road. We will resume full service if the number of passengers increases tomorrow."

Meanwhile, recreational spots and public areas saw a noticeable presence of cars, rickshaws, and motorcycles as city dwellers enjoyed the last days of the holiday.

Sharmin Islam, a resident of Mirpur, took her parents out yesterday to enjoy the relatively empty Dhaka streets.

"I celebrated Eid in Dhaka, but my parents came from the village [on Thursday]. Now I am taking them around the city to enjoy the peaceful streets. If Dhaka always stayed this empty, people would not feel so overwhelmed living here," she said.