As Eid-ul-Fitr approaches, Bangladesh is witnessing its annual mass exodus, with millions leaving Dhaka to celebrate with their families, putting growing pressure on road, rail, river and air transport systems.
Since early yesterday, shortly after sehri, passenger flow has steadily increased across major transport hubs in the capital. While Dhaka has not yet come to a standstill, signs of a gradual thinning are becoming increasingly visible as outbound movement accelerates.
Bus travel continues to dominate Eid journeys, carrying the bulk of homebound passengers. Visits to Mohakhali, Gabtali and Kalyanpur terminals suggested a relatively smooth start this year, with most buses departing on schedule and without the severe traffic congestion seen in previous seasons.
Passengers said ticket access has improved significantly, driven by expanded online booking and better coordination among operators. However, some travelers reported paying Tk50–Tk100 more for tickets purchased on the spot.
Transport operators, however, remain cautious. They said ticket sales have yet to meet expectations, citing fuel supply uncertainties and shifting travel patterns. They warned that the real test will come in the final days before Eid, when congestion at key highway bottlenecks could intensify sharply.
Meanwhile, railways remain one of the most sought-after modes of travel due to their relative safety and comfort, though demand continues to far exceed capacity.
At Kamalapur Railway Station, platforms were crowded from the morning, with families waiting alongside luggage in a familiar Eid scene. Officials said trains were largely maintaining schedules, with major intercity services—including Dhumketu, Parabat, Nil Sagar and Sonar Bangla Express—departing on time.
“Ensuring schedule discipline is our top priority right now,” said Dhaka Division Railway Manager ABM Kamruzzaman.
Despite this, overcrowding remains a major concern, with many passengers forced to travel without seats. Authorities acknowledged that enforcing safety measures is difficult under such pressure, pointing to long-standing capacity constraints.
For southern districts, waterways remain a vital lifeline during Eid. Launch terminals, particularly Sadarghat, are already experiencing heavy passenger flow.
The Dhaka–Bhola route is seeing especially high demand, with cabin tickets sold out nearly two weeks in advance and vessels operating at near-full capacity. Officials said preparations are in place to deploy additional launches if demand rises further, with an estimated 500,000 passengers expected to use Bhola routes during the Eid period.
Domestic air travel is also playing a growing role, though it remains accessible to a limited segment of passengers.
Flights from Dhaka to Chittagong, Cox’s Bazar, Sylhet, Jessore and Saidpur are operating at near-full capacity, with airlines adding extra services to meet demand. Higher fares, however, continue to limit broader use.
Authorities have stepped up security across major transport hubs, with law enforcement maintaining surveillance at terminals and stations to ensure passenger safety.
As buses roll out, trains depart, launches move through rivers and flights take off, Dhaka continues to empty—marking a nationwide movement driven as much by emotion as necessity.
For millions, the Eid journey is more than travel—it is a return home.