Eid holidaymakers from 21 southwestern districts have thronged the Paturia ferry terminal in Manikganj to return to the capital as the post-Eid rush picks up momentum.
Large crowds were seen boarding ferries and launches at the terminal on Saturday morning.
Passengers travelling by buses, private cars, microbuses and especially motorcycles have been arriving at Paturia via the Daulatdia terminal in Rajbari.
Launch terminals are also experiencing similar pressure due to the growing influx of returnees.
Despite the surge in passenger numbers, travellers said that the journey has remained relatively smooth and hassle-free with no significant disruptions on roads or at ferry points.
Passengers using ‘Cata Line’ bus services complained of being overcharged at the terminal.
Many alleged that while the regular fare from Paturia to Dhaka’s Gabtoli is Tk150, some transport operators were charging between Tk250 and Tk300.
Fares to places like Manikganj, Savar and Nabinagar were reportedly being charged at full Dhaka rates, causing hardship for Eid returnees.
Transport operators, meanwhile, have defended the increased fares citing the need to bring empty buses from Dhaka to accommodate the one-way passenger flow from the southwest.
Shibaloy Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Md Jakir Hossain said that there is no scope for transport services to charge extra fares from passengers this Eid.
“In cases where overcharging has occurred we are ensuring refunds to passengers,” he said.
"Mobile teams have been deployed at key points including Tepra bus stand and the Utholi-Paturia intersection on the Dhaka-Aricha highway," he added.
Passenger pressure has also increased on the Aricha-Kazirhat river route with people arriving at Aricha by ferries, launches, and speedboats from Pabna’s Kazirhat.
Currently 15 ferries and 18 launches are operating on the Paturia-Daulatdia route to facilitate the smooth return of passengers.
