Eid holidaymakers start returning to capital

Eid holidaymakers, especially the private job holders, have started returning to Dhaka after celebrating Eid-ul-Fitr with their and near ones in their respective villages.

Different bus stations, Sadarghat launch terminal, and Kamalapur and Airport railway stations witnessed the crowds of people who came back to the capital on Friday.

However, the pressure of returning people is low as many, especially government employees, are still in a holiday mood because offices of government, semi-government, bank and financial institutions will open on Sunday.

The rush of capital-bound people will increase on Saturday, said transport companies.

City dwellers, especially the family members of both government and private job holders, started leaving the capital on May 30 to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr with their near and dear ones in their respective villages though the official holiday began on June 2.

Eid-ul-Fitr, one of the biggest religious festivals of Muslims, was celebrated in the country on June 5.

According to Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), around 5-6 million people left the city by trains, buses and launches till June 4.

Badiul Alam, a private service holder, who returned to Dhaka by a launch from Barishal, said he came back as his office will open on Saturday.

He also said he enjoyed a very comfortable journey as there was no much pressure of passengers.

A similar scenario was seen at Kamalapur Railway Station and Sayedabad, Mohakhali and Gabtali bus terminals.

Abul Kalam, manager at a Shyamoli bus counter at Sayedabad, said offices will formally open on Sunday. “So, there might be mad rush of people from Saturday morning.”