Thousands travelling on train before Eid, yet no sign of schedule breakdown, mismanagement

As part of Bangladesh Railway's special Eid-ul-Fitr arrangements, today (30 March) marks the final day of scheduled train departures.

Just like the previous days, thousands of homebound passengers are leaving Dhaka via train from the capital's railway stations.

Since morning, all intercity trains have departed as per schedule without any disruptions.

Eid holidaymakers head toward home on 30 March 2025. Photo: Collected

Dhaka Railway Station Master Mohammad Anwar Hossain stated, "Thousands of passengers are leaving Dhaka by train today. However, we are managing everything smoothly. By noon, 18 intercity trains have departed from the station, all on time. Train operations remain normal, and no untoward incidents have been reported so far."

A visit to the station revealed that trains at the platforms were already packed with passengers. Almost every coach was crowded, leaving little room for movement.

Anwara Begum, a passenger on the Jamalpur Express, shared, "I arrived at the station just before departure with my family. It was quite difficult to reach my seat because the train was already packed."

Another passenger, Shahin Alam, echoed the sentiment, saying, "Due to the high number of passengers, boarding was a bit difficult. However, the station management has improved significantly compared to previous years. The station felt much more organised. We hope to see such an environment every year."

Meanwhile, alongside other law enforcement agencies, Bangladesh Army is also playing a key role to ensure safe and smooth Eid travels.

They have increased security surveillance in Dhaka and neighboring districts, are working as a bridge between workers and factory owners by arranging discussions in industrial areas at different times, and is ensuring safe services at launch terminals, train stations, and bus stands, according to a press release.