Millions leave Dhaka city for Eid, city roads nearly empty

Though there is no specific number, an estimated 10 million people have left Dhaka between 25 and 30 March to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr with their families in rural areas, resulting in nearly deserted city streets.

More than 20 million people have been residing under the two city corporations of the capital Dhaka.

As around half of its residents have left the mega city for celebrating the Eid holidays, it has created an unusual calm across the capital. Those who remained are enjoying smooth and hassle-free travel to visit their near and dear ones' houses as they have been easily reaching their respective destinations through private vehicles, rickshaws, and auto-rickshaws.

On Eid day today (Monday), it was seen that the presence of traffic police in most major intersections in Dhaka city streets was very light. Only a few traffic police were spotted near key locations such as Bijoy Sarani, the Prime Minister's Office, and Jahangir Gate. Other crucial points like Mohammadpur Beribadh, Allah Karim, Asad Gate, streets around National Parliament bhaban, and Khejurbagan roundabout were devoid of traffic officers.

In the absence of sufficient traffic police, young motorcyclists took advantage of the situation, riding recklessly without helmets. Many were seen violating traffic rules by carrying more than two passengers, most of whom appeared to be between 18 and 25 years old.

At around 2:30pm in Mirpur 12's Pallabi Bus Stand, a motorcycle carrying three riders sped dangerously towards Mirpur 10 Circle. Onlookers shouted warnings, urging them to slow down but the biker didnt care. Though no accident occurred, such reckless behavior could have led to serious incidents.

Similar scenes were observed in Mohammadpur, Basila, Shyamoli, the National Parliament area, Tejgaon, and Gulshan. Many motorcyclists ignored traffic signals altogether, and some even transported family members, including children, without helmets.

Usually, motorcycle accidents due to reckless driving surge during Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha. While no major accidents had been reported in Dhaka by midday Monday, concerns over safety remain high.

To curb reckless driving, traffic divisions of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) have placed speed bumps and roadblocks in strategic points of various city streets, such as Gulshan Avenue and Road 55. However, other major roads, including those in Agargaon, lacked similar measures.

Many bikers in Gulshan were seen without mandatory helmets. A senior officer from the Gulshan Traffic Division, speaking on condition of anonymity, acknowledged the issue but assured that law enforcement was monitoring the situation.

Meanwhile, a Tejgaon traffic division officer stated, "Wherever violations occur, our officers will take action. No one breaking the law will be spared."

As Eid celebrations continue, authorities urge all motorists to follow traffic laws to prevent accidents and ensure public safety.