Dhaka has begun to empty as millions leave the capital to celebrate Eid-ul-Adha with their families, marking the start of one of the country’s busiest travel periods.
With Sunday marking the final working day for government offices, passenger pressure surged at major bus terminals, railway stations and river ports as travellers endured long waits, overcrowding and allegations of overcharging in a bid to leave the city before the rush intensified.
This year’s Eid holidays began yesterday and will continue until May 31, triggering a mass departure from the capital.
With government, semi-government, autonomous and private offices entering the holiday period, Dhaka saw noticeably lighter traffic from early yesterday.
Major roads, including Panthapath, Karwan Bazar, Gulshan and Bijoy Sarani, appeared significantly quieter than usual. Traffic on the Elevated Expressway remained sparse, while metro rail stations saw reduced passenger flow. Private cars and CNG-run auto-rickshaws outnumbered public buses.
Transport operators expect the rush to peak yesterday and today as private offices and industrial units shut for the holiday.
At Mohakhali Bus Terminal, pressure built steadily on Sunday, with many passengers waiting hours due to a shortage of long-distance coaches against demand.
Families carrying luggage, elderly passengers and children crowded waiting areas as travellers braced for the journey home.
Md Jahangir, counter manager of Ananya Paribahan, said demand rose sharply after government offices closed.
“As soon as buses are filled, we are dispatching them one after another,” he said.
Faruk Hossain, travelling to Mymensingh, said he managed to get a ticket without major difficulty, though congestion remained high.
Bus passenger Alamin Hossain said the ordeal was worth it.
“There is crowding and waiting, but these feel minor compared to the joy of Eid with family. I just want to reach home safely,” he said.
Transport operators said Eid travel places added responsibility on drivers.
Md Shahidul Islam, a driver on the Dhaka–Sylhet route, said caution increases during the Eid rush.
“Our main responsibility is ensuring everyone reaches safely,” he said.
Another driver on the Dhaka–Rangpur route, Abdul Kader, said speed is being sacrificed for safety.
“Road pressure is high, so we are avoiding risks. Passengers also need patience,” he said.
Md Jahangir Alam, a driver on southern routes, said many were travelling at the last minute.
“There is some suffering due to limited buses, but safety comes first,” he added.
<Authorities tighten monitoring amid fare complaints>
Law enforcement maintained a visible presence at Mohakhali terminal to prevent ticket black marketing, overcharging and passenger harassment.
A police spokesperson said additional forces had been deployed and a temporary control room set up.
“Plainclothes personnel are also working so no operator can charge extra fares,” he said.
Earlier, a Mohakhali Bus Owners Association member said committees had been formed to ensure a safe Eid journey.
At Sayedabad Bus Terminal, passenger numbers rose sharply after 12 noon, with some travellers alleging excessive fares.
<Trains remain top choice despite overcrowding>
Rail remains the preferred mode of travel, with about 150,000 people leaving Dhaka daily through Kamalapur and Dhaka Airport railway stations.
Bangladesh Railway is operating 43 intercity trains and 27 mail, local and commuter services daily, though officials expect pressure to intensify over the next two days.
Authorities are also struggling to prevent ticketless travel and passengers riding on train roofs, a recurring safety concern during Eid journeys.
Train passenger Shamim Ahmed said the journey was manageable despite congestion.
“There is pressure and discomfort, but train travel still feels more convenient. Reaching home on time makes it worthwhile,” he said.
Road Transport, Railways and Shipping Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam, after visiting Kamalapur Railway Station on Sunday, said trains remain the first choice during Eid despite capacity limits.
“Demand is very high, but the number of trains is insufficient. Still, we are trying to maintain service quality,” he said, adding that 25 per cent additional tickets had been issued beyond seating capacity.
To ease congestion, Bangladesh Railway has suspended stoppages at Dhaka Airport Railway Station for nine Dhaka-bound intercity trains from Monday until the day before Eid.
<River routes see relatively lower pressure>
Passenger congestion remained lower at Dhaka’s river terminal, though numbers have been rising since Sunday afternoon.
The Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) has introduced free porter services, trolleys and wheelchairs, while volunteers are deployed to prevent harassment.
BIWTA Joint Director Muhammad Mobarak Hossain said passenger flow is still below peak Eid levels but steadily increasing.
“We are monitoring safety and ensuring support services remain available,” he said.
Launch passenger Rana Navid, travelling to Barishal, said river travel felt comparatively comfortable.
“I am travelling home with my family for Eid. That feeling matters most,” he said.
<Capital grows quieter as holiday begins>
As the Eid break takes hold, Dhaka is steadily losing its usual intensity.
From Sunday afternoon, people began leaving in large numbers, while social media filled with images of travellers boarding buses, trains, flights and private vehicles.
Many were also seen travelling with pets.
Yet behind the festive rush lies a familiar reality of overcrowding, long waits and transport shortages, as millions prioritise reaching home in time for Eid celebrations.