Despite an extended Eid holiday this year, travel across Bangladesh has been marked by congestion, insecurity and a series of fatal accidents, raising concerns among passengers and authorities alike.
Several deaths during the Eid journey — across roads, railways and waterways — have highlighted ongoing challenges in ensuring safe travel during one of the country’s busiest migration periods.
Extended holiday, persistent rush
This year’s Eid holiday spanned up to seven consecutive days, including Shab-e-Qadr, with many enjoying up to 12 days off by combining additional leave with Independence Day of Bangladesh.
The government had encouraged staggered travel to reduce congestion. However, large numbers of people still left the capital, Dhaka, within a short period, resulting in overcrowding at bus terminals, railway stations and launch terminals.
Pressure on transport system
Authorities expanded facilities at Sadarghat Launch Terminal and introduced additional terminals in areas such as Bosila and the eastern outskirts of the capital to ease pressure on southern routes, including Barisal and Bhola.
Despite these measures, a shortage of vehicles, traffic congestion and alleged overcharging of fares continued to affect passengers.
Experts and stakeholders say the main problem remains the simultaneous movement of millions of people, putting immense pressure on limited transport infrastructure.
Key causes of unrest
Those concerned identify several factors behind the persistent unrest during Eid travel, including overcrowding due to mass departures within a short time, traffic congestion and road safety issues, operation of unfit vehicles and weak enforcement, ticket scarcity and black market practices, overcharging and irregularities in transport services, and lack of discipline and security at key transport hubs.
The emotional urgency to reach home in time for Eid further intensifies the situation, often leading to risky travel decisions.
Accidents raise concern
A number of fatal incidents during this year’s Eid travel have drawn attention.
In Patgram, a couple and their child were killed when a truck hit their motorcycle on Tuesday morning. Another child was critically injured.
In Sadarghat, two passengers were crushed between launches while attempting to board using a trawler — an incident that highlighted gaps in crowd management and supervision.
In Sherpur, three members of a family were killed when a microbus hit a road divider and exploded due to a gas cylinder. Several others were injured.
Meanwhile, nine coaches of the Nilsagar Express derailed in Santahar, disrupting rail communication with the northern region and injuring dozens of passengers.
Government measures and response
Authorities say efforts were made to ensure safer travel, including monitoring transport hubs and deploying law enforcement agencies such as the Bangladesh Police, highway police and river police.
The government also urged passengers to travel gradually to avoid congestion.
Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Gani said the extended holiday was designed to reduce pressure on transport systems.
“There is no reason for passengers to rush this time, given the long holiday period,” he said.
Road Transport, Railways and Shipping Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam said the government is closely monitoring the situation.
“Any loss of life is tragic. We are trying to ensure a safe and comfortable Eid journey for all,” he said.
Expert opinions
Passenger Welfare Association of Bangladesh (PWAB) President Mozammel Haque attributed the situation to a combination of weak enforcement, passenger behaviour and mismanagement.
Passengers also stressed the need for greater caution. Maqbul Hossain, waiting for a bus at Sayedabad, said coordinated efforts from authorities, transport operators and travellers are essential to prevent further incidents.
A recurring challenge
Despite annual planning and increased awareness, Eid travel continues to expose structural limitations in Bangladesh’s transport system.
Experts say improving infrastructure, ensuring strict enforcement of safety rules, and promoting staggered travel habits will be key to reducing congestion and preventing accidents in the future.