People from 21 southern districts have begun returning to their workplaces after a seven‑day Eid‑ul‑Adha holiday.
Dhaka‑bound lanes of the Dhaka–Bhanga Expressway are busy, with heavy commuter pressure reported on the highway.
Although Eid holidays ended Sunday and offices and courts reopen Monday, the rush began Saturday afternoon. Since Monday morning, long‑distance transport pressure has intensified on the expressway.
Overcrowding has also been reported at stations, where passengers wait long periods to board buses.
Yusuf, a driver for Sarbick Paribahan, said, “The Eid holiday has ended. Since Sunday dawn, passenger pressure has increased on long‑distance transport. Most booked tickets in advance. Vehicles leave directly from 21 southern districts for Dhaka, but we return empty after dropping passengers.”
Drivers from Khulna, Jessore and Barisal said the rush is immense. Seats often fill up before reaching the Naodoba end of the Padma Bridge, forcing many to travel standing.
On fare complaints, drivers claimed increases are not excessive, noting buses return nearly empty from Dhaka.
Tamim Adnan, a passenger from Faridpur, said, “Local buses are worse — vacant seats are rare, passengers must stand. Anand Paribahan is charging extra from Shibchar. Even before Eid, they took Tk350 from Gulistan, though the normal fare is Tk200. Now extra fares are being charged again.”
Shibchar Highway Police Station OC Mizanur Rahman said multiple highway police teams are patrolling with mobile checkpoints. “Police are active so passengers can return to work without hindrance and to ensure no suffering on the highway,” he added.
