Post-Eid return rush overwhelms Dhaka

The capital city witnessed massive crowds at key entry points on Saturday as thousands of city residents returned from their village homes after the Eid-ul-Fitr and Independence Day holidays, with many passengers complaining of higher transport fares and prolonged traffic jams.
Kamalapur Railway Station, Sayedabad bus terminal and Sadarghat launch terminal saw large influx of passengers as city dwellers rushed back to resume work and daily routines after a long break.
The surge in inbound vehicles far exceeded typical weekend levels.
As high volumes of buses, motorcycles and private cars were entering Dhaka, congestion was reported on major routes, including from Signboard to Jatrabari and from Jurain to Gulistan via the Gulistan-Jatrabari flyover.
While visiting Sayedabad bus terminal and adjoining Jatrabari area, this FE correspondent saw passengers disembarking from inter-district buses and waiting at terminals and intersections, scrambling for transport to reach their respective destinations in the city. Many turned to CNG-run auto-rickshaws, battery-operated vehicles and rickshaws, often paying higher-than-usual fares. Passengers complained they were forced to pay extra for  both intercity and local travel.
"I had to pay Tk 400 to travel from Laksam in Cumilla," said Md Badsha, a garment worker, at Sayedabad bus terminal.
Md Khalil Sikder, who arrived from Barishal, echoed the sentiment: "I paid Tk 800 for the Dhaka-bound journey. The regular fare ranges between Tk 500 and Tk 600."
Local transport operators also raised fares amid surging demand. Md Masum, who arrived from Sylhet, said he hired a CNG-run auto-rickshaw for Tk 500 to travel from Sayedabad to Shankar in Mohammadpur, nearly double the usual Tk 300 fare.
Transport operators, however, denied overcharging. A staff member of Jamuna Paribahan, which operates on Dhaka-Habiganj route, said their buses were operating at full capacity but fares remained unchanged.
A CNG-run auto-rickshaw driver, Suman, admitted that fares had increased slightly due to higher demand and fuel constraints.
At Kamalapur Railway Station, passengers were seen quickly leaving platforms upon arrival, using available transport services including buses, rickshaws and ride-sharing options. Despite the rush, many expressed relief at returning safely after spending Eid with their families.
Sadarghat Launch Terminal also recorded substantial passenger arrivals on Saturday morning, as riverine travellers completed their return trips.
talhabinhabib@yahoo.com