Ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr, one of the largest Muslim festivals, an estimated five million people are expected to leave Dhaka between Thursday afternoon and midnight Sunday, leading to a massive surge in the capital’s transportation hubs.
Eid-ul-Fitr is anticipated to be celebrated on Monday. Thursday marked the last working day before the Eid holiday, and while there was no significant rush at the city’s bus terminals in the morning, the flow of homebound travelers began to increase by afternoon. By evening, the rush is expected to intensify, especially at major transportation terminals such as Saidabad, Gabtoli, Jatrabari, Sadarghat Launch Terminal, and Kamalapur Railway Station.
Most of the Eid travelers are from Dhaka’s two city corporations and surrounding areas, both permanent and temporary residents. According to the National Committee for Protection of Roads, Railways, and Shipping, and the Shipping and Communication Reporters Forum (SCRF), around three million people will travel by road, 1.5 million by train, and 0.9 million by waterways.
In total, approximately 20 million people are expected to leave the broader Dhaka metropolitan area, with 10 million departing from Dhaka city itself. Of these, 60% will travel by road, 25% by rail, and 15% by water transport.
Transport authorities have ramped up efforts to manage the influx, but the crowded terminals are already putting significant pressure on the city’s transport system. Local officials have urged commuters to plan their journeys early and remain patient as they navigate the busy holiday travel season.
