Smooth Eid travels for north-bound holidaymakers

Holidaymakers heading to northern Bangladesh for Eid-ul-Adha enjoyed a hassle-free start to their journey today (5 June), with traffic flowing smoothly through Gazipur's two major highways - Dhaka-Tangail and Dhaka-Mymensingh - despite a noticeable increase in travellers.

With just three days left before Eid-ul-Adha, the annual homebound rush has begun from Gazipur as a large numbers of garment workers and commuters began their journeys home via the Dhaka-Tangail and Dhaka-Mymensingh highways. 

Despite the increased pressure, the highways remained largely free of congestion, marking a smooth start to this year's Eid travel.

According to relevant sources, people from 23 districts of northern Bangladesh travel through the Dhaka-Tangail highway via Gazipur, while residents from seven districts of greater Mymensingh use the Dhaka-Mymensingh highway. As a result, millions of homebound travellers will return to their hometowns for Eid via these two major highways.

Authorities have taken coordinated steps to ensure hassle-free travel. Gazipur Metropolitan Police, district police, highway police, district administration, Gazipur City Corporation, and the army are working together to keep roads clear and travellers safe.

"Three-tier security has been put in place to ensure a smooth Eid journey. Our aim is to ensure commuters are not harassed, and that no one is overcharged," said GMP Commissioner Nazmul Karim Khan.

Gazipur Superintendent of Police Choudhury Mohammad Zaber Sadek said over 800 police personnel have been deployed on major routes, with 597 at Kaliakair's Chandra point and 200 at Mymensingh-bound Maona. 

"We are physically present on the highways to monitor traffic and law enforcement," he added.

According to Shalna Highway Police OC Shawkatul Alam, police have implemented special measures to prevent gridlocks. 

"Traffic increased slightly in the morning, and will likely rise further in the afternoon as more factories close," he said.

As of this afternoon, commuters were seen boarding buses smoothly at Chandna and Chandra intersections. Many were carrying heavy bags, some even with sacks on their heads. Some travellers noted that fares were slightly higher than usual.

Khorshed Alam, a garment worker from Sirajganj, said, "After finishing my night shift, I started my journey in the morning. The roads are still clear, but that might change as factories close in the afternoon."

Passengers have complained that transport fares are slightly higher than usual. 

Assistant driver of Ekota Paribahan, Alamgir, noted a growing rush since the morning. 

"Pressure will increase significantly as more factories close," he said. 

According to Industrial Police, there are 2,176 registered factories in Gazipur, including 1,154 ready-made garment units. Authorities decided to stagger the closure of these factories over three days to prevent sudden surges in traffic. 

Yesterday, 10% of factories were given leave, followed by 40% today. The remaining 50% will shut down tomorrow. 

Today also marked the last working day for public and private offices, with mass departures expected from the afternoon onward.

To support the smooth operation of Eid travel, Gazipur's district administration has deployed 15 executive magistrates working in three shifts. 

"They are stationed at busy locations like railway stations, Chandra and Maona, coordinating with law enforcement," said Deputy Commissioner Nafisa Arefin.

Gazipur City Corporation Administrator and Divisional Commissioner Sharaf Uddin Ahmed Choudhury said initiatives have been taken to eliminate waterlogging and traffic congestion by removing illegal roadside structures, clearing drains, and maintaining adjacent canals.

"With joint efforts from all agencies, this year's Eid travel will hopefully be even smoother than last year," he added.