Millions of people have started leaving Dhaka ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr, crowding major transport hubs including Sadarghat Launch Terminal, Kamalapur Railway Station and bus terminals across the capital.
More than 1 crore people are expected to travel to different districts from Dhaka to celebrate Eid with their families, Dhaka Metropolitan Police Acting Commissioner Mohammad Sarwar said.
An estimated 15 to 20 lakh people are leaving the capital daily between 16 March and 20 March, while around 20 to 25 lakh people are expected to enter Dhaka from different districts during the holiday period.
The mass movement began early Tuesday with the start of a seven-day holiday, as government offices, courts and many private institutions closed, prompting people to return to their village homes. Monday was the last working day before the holiday.
Passenger pressure began rising at Sadarghat from Monday, while Kamalapur Railway Station saw heavy crowds from Tuesday morning.
Trains are operating on schedule, although most are running at full capacity, providing some relief to passengers.
Railway authorities have taken strict measures to ensure smooth travel, including multiple-stage ticket verification before allowing entry to platforms.
Ticket checker Yakub said authorities are maintaining strict vigilance and not allowing passengers without valid tickets to enter, though families are permitted one additional standing ticket at a fixed fare if needed.
Passenger pressure has also increased at nearby bus counters around Kamalapur, reflecting the overall intensity of Eid travel.
Inspector General of Police Ali Hossain Fakir, along with Dhaka Metropolitan Police Acting Commissioner Mohammad Sarwar, visited Gabtoli Bus Terminal on Tuesday to monitor the situation and speak with passengers.
