As millions set out to reunite with their loved ones for Eid celebrations, the joy of the holiday journey has been replaced by frustration and exhaustion. The Dhaka-Tangail and Dhaka-Mymensingh highways have ground to a near standstill, crippled by massive traffic jams and a worsening transport crisis.
Thousands of passengers have spent hours stranded on roads, with some journeys stretching to 10-12 hours on routes that typically take just three. The worst con.stion has been reported near the Chandra Trimore area of the Dhaka-Tangail highway, where buses are scarce and commuters are waiting indefinitely.
Since Friday morning, major bus terminals including Gabtoli, Sayedabad, and Mohakhali, as well as other key locations like Mirpur, Kalyanpur, and Mazar Road, have been overwhelmed with homebound passengers. Long queues were seen at bus counters of popular transport companies such as S.R. Paribahan, Shyamoli Paribahan, and Super Sonik. Many passengers complained of having to wait for hours due to delays in bus schedules.
Transport authorities attributed the delays to severe traffic congestion on highways. On the Dhaka-Tangail-Jamuna Bridge highway, traffic was moving slowly throughout the day. A 25-kilometer-long tailback formed from Gharinda to the eastern end of the Jamuna Bridge due to an increased number of vehicles and breakdowns on the road. Despite efforts by police and law enforcement to ease the congestion, travelers reported continued suffering.
Several transport operators and drivers blamed the situation on the overwhelming volume of vehicles and poor road conditions in certain areas, which have slowed down the flow of traffic and caused significant delays in bus turnaround times.
Adding to the chaos are trucks carrying sacrificial animals ahead of Eid-ul-Adha, which are contributing to the congestion. On the Dhaka-Mymensingh highway, at least 10 kilometers of tailbacks were reported on Thursday evening.
The ferry terminal at Paturia is also facing serious congestion. Although 23 ferries are operating on the Aricha-Kazirhat river route, the pressure of vehicles has overwhelmed the system, leading to long queues and delays.
Meanwhile, Local Government Advisor Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuyian, during an inspection at Mohakhali Bus Terminal, warned transport companies that route permits would be revoked if they were found charging extra fares.
At Kamalapur Railway Station, the crowd was slightly more manageable, but trains remained packed. Most trains departed on time, with some like the Ekota Express arriving at the platform as early as an hour and a half before departure. Tight security measures were in place at all entry points of the station, with two-step ticket verification being enforced. Passengers were seen standing in packed carriages and even climbing onto the roofs of trains. Many without advance tickets managed to board trains through various means.
Sadarghat Launch Terminal also wore a festive look. From early morning until 11 AM, 28 launches departed for destinations in the southern districts, including Barisal, Bhola, Chandpur, and Lalmohan. Another 35 launches were scheduled to leave by 3 PM, with more expected in the evening and night. Security was heightened with the presence of the Coast Guard and river police to ensure a smooth and safe journey for passengers.
In the meantime, Dhaka’s roads have become notably quieter. The number of vehicles has dropped significantly compared to regular days. Even among the few operating vehicles, many are running with empty seats. The typical noise and congestion are gone—Dhaka, during Eid holidays, seems to have shed its usual chaotic mask.
In summary, the exodus of people from Dhaka to celebrate Eid with their loved ones continues. Buses, trains, and launches are all under heavy pressure. While many have reached their destinations, others are still facing travel-related challenges. Law enforcement remains active to keep the situation under control, as travel pressure is expected to intensify in the days leading up to Eid.