A day after Eid, people racing out of Dhaka to holiday with families

A day after the main celebrations, Many are racing out of Dhaka City to spend the remainder of the Eid-ul-Azha holidays with their families back in towns and villages.

Some were returning to the city on Wednesday, but the pressure of those arriving on the transport system was not more than those leaving.

The capital remained empty much like the Eid day. Traffic congestions and dark smoke emitting from vehicles were yet to cover the streets.

It took only 10 minutes for a bus ride from Jatrabarhi to Kamalapur against the usual half an hour.

Babul Mia was enjoying driving his bus on the empty streets.

“I came to the Zoo from Signboard in only an hour. It normally takes over three to four hours,” he said.

College student Imrul Bashar said he travelled from Mirpur Section-1 to Kamalapur Railway Station in 30 minutes.

“I’m going to Brahmanbarhia to take the meat of sacrificed cattle to my sister. The streets were free. It would feel great if Dhaka were to remain so empty,” he said.

Abul Hossain Jibon was going to Kushtia with his family to spend the holidays with their relatives.

“It doesn’t feel good to take the journey before Eid due to the overcrowding. So I usually choose the day after Eid to make the travel. It also takes less time,” he said. 

The buses departing the terminals in the city were full of passengers. People also queued at Kamalapur Railway Station for tickets.

Cosmetics trader Md Hanif Uddin from Jatrabarhi said he did not go home before the Eid to take care of his business, which sees an upturn before festivals.

Kamalapur Station Manager Sitangshu Chakrabarty said, “Some are returning today. But not much pressure. The crowds are expected to get bigger from tomorrow.”