Even a week after Eid-ul-Azha, the capital has yet to return to its usual bustle. On Friday, the seventh day of Eid, Dhaka remained unusually calm, with little noise, minimal traffic congestion, and a clear absence of the city’s trademark activity.
Visits to key areas such as the Secretariat, Shahbagh, Science Lab, Gulistan, and Mirpur revealed a city still enjoying the festive lull.
On-site observations showed that traffic police presence was minimal, and where they were present, there was little work to be done.
Vehicles moved freely without the need for traffic signals, and with educational institutions and offices closed, the volume of private cars, buses, and motorcycles was significantly reduced, easing traffic and lowering noise levels.
The capital is expected to return to its typical rhythm by Sunday, as offices reopen and holidaymakers return.
Drivers said that this post-Eid calm is an annual occurrence, though short-lived.
Ali Hossain, a truck driver, told Bangla Tribune: “Driving in Dhaka feels peaceful during this time. If it stayed like this year-round, there would be no suffering,”
“But it won’t last—people are already returning to the city,” he added.
Zahir Uddin, a rickshaw puller who has been working in Dhaka for 11 years, said: “Most people go home during Eid, so there’s less traffic and fewer people. The environment is nice, but our income drops because passengers are scarce. Still, it’s easier to move around the city.”
Dhaka University student Imran Sharif, who stayed in Mirpur during Eid, said: “During Eid, Dhaka doesn’t feel like a capital. There’s barely anyone around, no vehicles on the roads.”
He added: “I enjoy this time—no hassles, less crime. This is the kind of clean and peaceful capital we want to see.”
