Exodus of home-goers ahead of Eid continues defying all obstacles
About 40km long traffic jam has been created from the east side of Dhaka-Bangabandhu Bridge to Pakulya in Mirzapur upazila of Tangail, while a 12km road on the Dhaka-Mymensingh highway from Tongi to Chandna crossroads reported heavy traffic since early morning
The suspension of long-distance public transport and the deployment of BGB personnel at ferry terminals cannot stop the mad rush of homebound people as thousands today continue to leave Dhaka and its adjacent areas to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr with their families in villages amid the pandemic.
Ignoring all obstacles, home-goers are moving towards the Paturia-Daulatdia route to cross the River Padma, which, according to the terminal authorities, is a "record-breaking number of people" in the wharf area.
Holidaymakers are using different means of transport – like motorcycles, trucks, pickups, microbus, and private cars – to leave the city. Upon being stopped at police check-posts, some are seen trying to reach terminals on foot while others are using alternative byways to avoid confrontation.
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At ferry terminals, they face another challenge of getting on ferries. Risking their lives, desperate people hustle to board ferries even after they begin to depart.
On the other side, severe gridlocks were created on the Dhaka-Aricha highway because of the pressure of vehicles heading towards the northern districts of the country.
On Wednesday morning, homebound people were seen leaving Gabtoli in Dhaka for Savar on foot.
Since inter-city bus service has remained suspended, many have opted for freight trucks, private vehicles and pickup vans to go to their native villages.
Gridlocks has also ensued at Gazipur, Chandra, Tangail, and Jamuna Bridge areas due to increased traffic on the highways.
About 40km long traffic jam has been created from the east side of Dhaka-Bangabandhu Bridge to Pakulya in Mirzapur upazila of Tangail, while a 12km road on the Dhaka-Mymensingh highway from Tongi to Chandna crossroads reported heavy traffic since early morning.
Members of law enforcement agencies are reportedly been struggling to stop the exodus.
