Up to 13 million set to leave Dhaka for Eid despite rainy weather

Home-bound people leaving the capital to celebrate Eid with dead and near ones.

By- Mohd Jahangir Alam 

Dhaka, May 25 – With the seven-day Eid-ul-Azha holiday now underway, the annual exodus from the capital has gathered full momentum, as millions of people continue leaving Dhaka to celebrate the festival with their families in hometowns across the country.

Passenger welfare and road safety experts estimate that between 10 million and 13 million people could leave the capital during the Eid holidays, although adverse weather conditions may force some travellers to cancel or postpone their trips.

Bus terminals, railway stations and launch ghats witnessed increasing crowds since early morning on Monday as homebound travellers rushed to catch their desired transport amid the holiday movement.

Bangladesh Jatri Kalyan Samity Secretary General Md Mozammel Hoque Chowdhury said the organisation expects between 10 million and 11.5 million people to leave Dhaka city for Eid celebrations.

“However, the number could be lower if bad weather discourages some people from travelling,” he said.

According to his estimates, around 60-65 percent of travellers will use road transport, while 10-12 percent are likely to travel by rail. Another 20-25 percent are expected to use waterways.

He also noted that a significant number of people will travel even after Eid, estimating that around 1 to 1.5 million people may leave Dhaka on the day after the festival.

Road Safety Foundation Executive Director Saidur Rahman said between 10 million and 13 million people are expected to leave the capital ahead of Eid-ul-Azha.

“Sunday was the last working day, and a large number of people left Dhaka last night (Sunday night) and throughout today. Most have already departed, and the city has become noticeably less crowded,” he said.

According to him, the movement of travellers will continue until the early hours of Eid day, while many small business owners may begin their journeys even after Eid.

Rahman, however, warned of a heightened risk of road accidents after Eid when roads become relatively empty.

“Vehicles tend to move at higher speeds after Eid due to lighter traffic, increasing the likelihood of road crashes caused by reckless driving,” he said.

On transport capacity, he said the country lacks sufficient quality transport services to accommodate such a massive movement of people.

“As a result, people are trying to leave Dhaka by any available means. Some are travelling by motorcycles, while others are using trucks. In particular, cattle trucks that brought sacrificial animals to Dhaka are also being used by some low-income people on their return journeys,” he added.

Although there is no official survey, Dhaka's population is often estimated at between 20 million and 25 million people. Experts believe

that as many as 10 million to 13 million residents could leave the capital during the Eid holidays.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police Deputy Commissioner (Media) SM Nasiruddin said the police do not have any exact statistics on how many city residents are leaving Dhaka for Eid.

A seven-day government holiday began on Monday after Sunday marked the last working day before Eid. Government offices, courts and many private establishments have closed, triggering one of the country's largest seasonal travel movements.

Eid-ul-Azha is expected to be celebrated on May 28.

However, doctors and nurses involved in measles treatment and emergency healthcare services will remain outside the holiday schedule, as their Eid leave has been cancelled to ensure uninterrupted medical care.

On May 7, the government announced a seven-day holiday from May 25 to May 31 for Eid-ul-Azha. Government offices also remained open on May 23 in line with the decision.

The holiday period will end on May 31, with government offices scheduled to reopen on June 1.- UNB