On the occasion of the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr, the number of people returning home from different districts including the capital Dhaka is increasing at Daulatdia Ferry Ghat, one of the entrances to 21 districts in the south-west region of the country.
Due to the closure of long distance vehicles, people are coming to Paturia ferry terminal in private cars and microbuses. From there ordinary people are crossing the Padma River by ferry. Easybikes, Mahendras, private cars are going to different places of the country including Rajbari for extra fare from the ferry terminal.
On Friday morning at the Daulatdia ferry terminal, a ro-ro ferry named Birshreshtha Matiur Rahman, which left Paturia for Daulatdia ferry terminal, carried more than 500 passengers. From Paturia, Bhasa Sainik reached Daulatdia ferry terminal with the same number of passenger in a ro-ro ferry named Barkat. Social distances on ferries were not observed to prevent corona spread. Many passengers were not seen using masks. A passenger from Paturia said, "Today is a holiday, so I am going to celebrate Eid at home in Satkhira village with other family members."
I am going to Satkhira from Daulatdia in a private car with a fare of Tk 600 per head. Due to the syndicate at Daulatdia ferry terminal, they have to pay extra fare for the car. A passenger named Irene said most people would go to the village house on the occasion of Eid. However, all types of vehicles from Daulatdia are taking extra fare. No activity of the administration was seen here.
