Dhaka is gradually getting quieter as Eid holidaymakers continued to leave the capital in their thousands on Friday to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr with their families in villages.
Officials said the journeys this year are relatively hassle-free than previous times despite a growing pressure on roads, railways and waterways.
According to the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), around five to six million people are expected to leave the city to celebrate Eid at their village homes.
Eid-ul-Fitr, one of the biggest religious festivals of Muslims, will be celebrated either on June 5 or 6 depending on moon sighting.
Family members of government and private job holders started leaving Dhaka on Thursday morning, though the official holidays will begin on Tuesday next.
Many holidaymakers chose to leave the city with their families a little bit early after availing of additional leave on Monday to avoid the mad rush ahead of Eid.
Meanwhile, homebound people had to wait for hours at Kamalapur Railway Station in the morning as trains failed to maintain their schedules, but there was no report of traffic congestion on highways so far.
Sources at Kamalapur Railway Station said the train schedule disruption, particularly on northern routes since morning, caused immense sufferings to the travellers.
Railways Minister Nurul Islam Sujan visited the railway station in the morning and apologised for the delay of four trains.
“Eighteen trains left Dhaka till 10am while the schedules of four trains were disrupted. I’m really sorry for this and it won’t happen tomorrow,” he said while briefing reporters at the station.
However, vehicles moved smoothly on Dhaka-Tangail, Dhaka-Sylhet and Dhaka-Chittagong roads from Friday morning to evening, said Shafiqul Islam, chief of Gazipur highway police.
The possibility of tailbacks on the highways is slim, thanks to the improved condition, he added.
Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader said the condition of roads and highways is far better compared to the past.
“This year, Eid journeys will be comfortable and there’ll be no traffic jam. There won’t be any accident if drivers abide by traffic rules and refrain from talking on phones while driving,” he said while visiting Gabtoli area in the capital.
