As Eid approaches and millions across Bangladesh prepare for the annual journey home to celebrate with their families, it is time we acknowledge that this mass movement too often becomes a source of unnecessary hardship for passengers.
Eid travels, while a familiar and cherished tradition, have historically been accompanied by severe traffic congestion, long delays, and general discomfort for many Bangladeshi travellers.
Recent reports warn that the highways connecting Dhaka to northern districts, particularly the Dhaka-Mymensingh and Dhaka-Tangail routes, could once again face severe congestion during the Eid rush.
Traffic pressure is expected to peak in the two days before Eid, when thousands of vehicles attempt to leave the capital at once. Ongoing development work, road encroachments, illegal vehicle stands, and unfinished infrastructure projects -- most notably the long-delayed Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) construction -- are likely to worsen the situation if not properly managed.
None of these issues are new, however. Every year, travellers face similar obstacles, and every year authorities promise improvements. Yet without substantial and coordinated action, they remain just that -- mere promises.
We should know better by now: Effective Eid travel management requires more than last-minute preparations. It demands careful scheduling of vehicle movement, proper traffic control, and appropriate management of ongoing construction zones.
Safety must also remain a top priority. Overcrowded highways, chaotic roadside activity, and driver fatigue are often a quick recipe for danger, resulting in avoidable injuries and casualties, and disciplined traffic management and clear travel guidelines can help prevent them.
For millions of Bangladeshis, the journey home is an integral part of Eid itself. Ensuring that this journey is safe, orderly, and dignified should be seen as a responsibility authorities cannot afford to neglect. This year, more than ever, we hope to see preparation and accountability replace the cycle of recurring mismanagement.