A surge of homebound travellers ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr has intensified fears of severe congestion on the Sylhet-Dhaka highway.
Passenger pressure began building from Tuesday after government offices closed on Monday for a seven-day holiday.
Bus terminals and key transport hubs in Sylhet have since been crowded with travellers heading to different parts of the country.
Eid-ul-Fitr is expected to be observed on 21 March, subject to moon sighting.
The government declared a five-day holiday from 19 to 23 March and later added 18 March to ease travel pressure.
Despite the extended break, travellers and operators fear the Sylhet-Dhaka route may turn into a major bottleneck.
The highway serves passengers from Sylhet, Sunamganj, Moulvibazar and Habiganj and has long suffered from narrow stretches, damaged roads and ongoing construction.
Officials said a journey that usually takes five to six hours could stretch to 12 to 15 hours during peak rush.
The most critical section remains the 12-kilometre Ashuganj-Bishwaroad stretch, where six-lane expansion work has progressed slowly.
Congestion at Ashuganj roundabout and Bishwaroad intersection often lasts for hours, causing severe delays.
Other pressure points include Katihata, Sultanpur and Tontor Bazar in Brahmanbaria, where damaged roads slow vehicle movement.
Unauthorised CNG auto-rickshaw stands and roadside markets at Bishwaroad, Kuttapara, Ashuganj, Sohagpur and Sonarampur are also likely to disrupt traffic flow.
Police identified 43 congestion-prone points along the highway.
Authorities deployed additional highway police and are trying to keep at least two lanes open in construction zones while controlling slow-moving vehicles.
Many travellers remain concerned, recalling previous Eid journeys marked by long delays, particularly on the Brahmanbaria stretch.
Road Transport and Bridges Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam said efforts are underway to ensure smooth travel.
He said managing the pressure remains challenging but ongoing
