Dhaka sees heavy rush home ahead of national elections

Thousands of city residents left the capital on Tuesday, beginning a homeward rush to their constituencies to cast their votes in the 13th parliamentary elections, triggering severe pressure on the transport system.

Bus terminals across Dhaka were overwhelmed as passenger numbers surged far beyond a normal weekday rush.

Kamalapur Railway Station also witnessed an unusually high turnout of travelers. Passengers said they turned to trains after failing to get bus tickets.

Due to a shortage of seats, many passengers were seen travelling standing, while some even climbed onto the roofs of train coaches.

The passengers' rush began early in the morning and continued throughout the day, leaving all outgoing trains jam-packed until evening, a railway official told the FE.

Despite the overcrowding, Kamalapur Railway Station took on a festive, Eid-like atmosphere, as voters from different walks of life -- working professionals, students and first-time voters -- left the capital to exercise their franchise.

Many described the journey as similar to going home for Eid, travelling with friends and family.

"It does not matter whether I got a seat or not. I managed a standing ticket, and I am happy because I can go to my village home in Sarishabari, Jamalpur," said Md Abdus Sattar, a private service holder.

"I am going to my home in Gorashal, Narsingdi, to cast my vote and spend a few days there," said Farhana Khanam at Kamalapur station.

"I am going to Rangpur sadar to cast my vote after around 18 years," said Shahidul Islam, another passenger.

Students also expressed enthusiasm. "This election is very important for us. We can vote freely this time against exploitation and injustice. We are all first-time voters, and this is a big opportunity for the younger generation," said Md Masud, travelling to Rangpur with two friends.Railway officials acknowledged the risks associated with rooftop travel but said the overwhelming demand made enforcement difficult.

"We are instructing passengers not to ride on the roofs, but many are willing to take risks to vote. Considering humanitarian concerns, we have to show some flexibility," one official said.

Bus services across the city were also under heavy strain. Public transport availability remained limited, with buses arriving infrequently and filling up almost immediately. Passengers were seen rushing to board vehicles or hanging onto doors as buses arrived.

The transport shortage is mainly due to buses being deployed for election campaign purposes, fewer vehicles operating on regular routes, and traffic restrictions across the city caused by political rallies.

Transport insiders said that many long-distance buses have left the capital, and several owners have not deployed their vehicles on regular routes. This is why the city is facing a severe shortage.

At Gulistan, Sayedabad, Mohakhali and Gabtoli bus terminals, thousands of passengers were seen waiting for transport to their destinations.

"I have been waiting for nearly an hour to get a bus to Bajitpur in Kishoreganj to cast my vote," said Md Mizan, a small trader at Gulistan.

Bus operators said they were not charging extra fares. "We are following the fixed fare," said Md Liton, an official of Tisha Paribahan.

Meanwhile, The Dhaka River Port Terminal, popularly known as Sadarghat Launch Ghat, also saw a sharp rise in passengers heading to southern districts.

"I am going to Barishal on the occasion of the national election and referendum," said Md Mujibur Rahman, a CNG auto-rickshaw driver.

Launch owners said no additional charges were imposed, although some departures were delayed due to the passenger rush.

Meanwhile, many makeshift shops and roadside stalls across areas such as Motijheel, Malibagh, Farmgate, Puranapaltan, Shajahanpur and Tejgaon were found closed, as shop owners left the capital to vote.

"I am preparing to leave for my village home in Shariatpur to cast my vote. Many shop owners left the city on Monday," said Md Halim Sikder, a fruit vendor in Jatrabari.

talhabinhabib@yahoo.com