People are leaving the capital Dhaka and other metropolitan cities in large number to celebrate the Eid-ul-Fitr with their near and dear ones amid all odds. Many government service holders left the capital Dhaka on Thursday afternoon after completing their office works on the last working day. On the other hand, most people have already sent their families earlier to avert chaos on roads and highways while students have also left the capital and other metropolitan cities.
The city’s Sadarghat lunch terminal, Sayedabad, Gabtoli and Mahakhali bus terminals and Kamalapur and Airport railway stations on Thursday saw a huge crowd of home-goers as people are leaving the capital to enjoy the festival at their village homes. At Gabtoli bus terminals, home-bound people of Khulna and Barishal divisions were seen going home via Paturia launch terminal. They are crossing the river by ferry or launch and then they are getting on buses to reach their destinations from Doulatadia. At Sadarghat launch terminal, people of 23 districts of the country are making their journey by launch to reach home.
From Thursday night, a huge number of people are leaving the capital Dhaka by launch. Transport operators said the rush of the homebound people will intensify further today (Friday) while it will reach the peak tomorrow noon as it is the last working day for private employees.
Highway police and road
department will have to
work concertedly to ease traffic congestion
Homebound people are facing serious traffic gridlock on the roads and highways due to heavy pressure of vehicles. About 10 million people will be travelling from Dhaka to their ancestral homes for the Eid holidays while nearly 50 million more are expected to make inter-district journeys.
The last two days of April are weekend and May 1 is a public holiday for May Day. The next three days will be the official holiday for Eid-ul- Fitr. As a result, the public servants will enjoy vacation from April 29 to May 4.
The Bangladesh Railway, Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority and Bangladesh Road Transport Authority have taken different initiatives including introduction of special launches, trains and buses to make hassle-free Eid journey of homebound people. Besides, members of different law enforcement agencies have also taken necessary measures to ensure a hassle-free and safe journey for home-goers.
Security has been beefed up at launch and bus terminals and railway stations. Apart from these, district police and highway police and road department will also have to work concertedly to ease traffic congestion. Authorities concerned must take effective steps to stop unbearable traffic jams, passengers' harassment, fare anarchy and road accidents during the eid journey.
