Devotees returning home after the Bishwa Ijtema are facing transportation challenges, with many risking their lives by riding on overcrowded trains.
While buses, trains, and pickups are being used for travel, the available transportation remains insufficient for the massive crowd, forcing some to walk long distances.
To ease travel, Bangladesh Railway has arranged seven pairs of special trains for the pilgrims. The weekly holiday of the Joydebpur Commuter Train was also shifted from Saturday to Friday. Extra coaches have been added to express, commuter, and local trains, while several intercity trains made special stops at Tongi Railway Station. However, these measures fell short, leading to severe overcrowding as thousands departed simultaneously after the final prayer.
The first phase of the 58th Bishwa Ijtema concluded with a 25-minute prayer, after which Tablighi Jamaat members set out for missionary work both domestically and internationally.
By 9:35 AM, a flood of pilgrims was seen leaving Tongi Station Road, Tongi Bazar, Cherag Ali, College Gate, Mill Gate, Kamarpara, Abdullahpur, Airport, Uttara, and Daud Bridge. Many even walked as far as Mirer Bazar on the Tongi-Kaliganj road.
According to Tongi Railway Station Master Mohammad Rakib, train services, including the special trains, operated as scheduled.
However, despite restrictions, many pilgrims were seen riding on train roofs and the front of engines, risking their lives. Others relied on trucks, pickups, and auto-rickshaws for their journey. While acknowledging the smooth management of the final prayer, pilgrims expressed concerns over the lack of adequate transportation.
