Even though regular activities have resumed at government and private offices in Dhaka, the streets of the capital are still now relatively empty, much to the joy of commuters.
There was no traffic jam on major roads of the capital throughout Tuesday, except for some at the signals at various intersections.
Just a few days ago, Dhaka looked deserted as thousands of people had left the capital for the Eid holidays to celebrate the Muslim festival with loved ones.
The capital has yet to get back to its normal hustle and bustle as many have yet to return to Dhaka from their village or town homes.
As there is no usual traffic jam, people are easily travelling inside Dhaka and reaching their destinations on time.
Many commuters or working people in the capital are now asking why Dhaka is not always like this.
On the way from Mirpur to Gulistan, passenger Shihab commented: "If the roads of Dhaka city were always empty, it would be much better. But even if it continues like for another one or two days, suffering will return again.”
On normal working days, it takes 30 to 40 minutes to cross the Matsya Bhaban intersection from Science Lab. But now it is taking just five to seven minutes.
The same was true for many other roads of the city. It takes at least 20 to 25 minutes to cross the Bijay Sarani intersection on normal working days, compared to just two to three minutes now.
Usually, vehicles in Dhaka do not reach their destination on time due to traffic jams. But now buses are spending their time waiting for passengers.
Trans Silva buses operate on the Jatrabari route from Mirpur.
Al Amin, a helper of one of the buses under this banner, said: “The roads are almost empty now due to Eid. Our passengers are fewer; we need to wait at the bus stands for passengers.”
Muhaiminul Haque Siam, whose office is in Merul Badda, said he goes there six days a week from his home in Mirpur, which usually takes him around two hours. But on Tuesday he returned home in just an hour as the roads were relatively empty. "Everyone's productivity would increase manifold if Dhaka remained traffic-free like this all year round."
Parvez, a job holder, said his home is in Old Dhaka and his office is in Karwan Bazar. It takes 40 minutes to reach his office by bus from Bangabazar on a normal working day. But it now takes 10 to 12 minutes to reach his workplace.
Fruit trader Manik Mia said it takes about 40 minutes to go from Gulistan to Sadarghat. But now he spends only 15 to 20 minutes on the road to reach his destination.
