Dhaka, Apr 05 (V7N) – As the 9-day Eid-ul-Fitr holiday draws to a close, thousands of people have started making their way back to the capital Dhaka on Saturday morning, signaling the end of the festive break and the resumption of regular work from Sunday (April 6).

From early morning, crowds have surged into the capital through various key entry points including Kamalapur Railway Station, Gabtoli Bus Terminal, Sadarghat Launch Terminal, and Paturia Ghat in Manikganj. Authorities and transport officials say the influx will continue through Sunday, with a significant increase expected later in the day.

Kamalapur Railway Station

A large number of passengers were seen arriving at Kamalapur, with trains coming in packed from different districts. Some travelers disembarked earlier at the airport station, while many continued to Kamalapur. Station officials anticipate a heavy rush throughout the day as more trains arrive from different regions.

Gabtoli Bus Terminal

The Gabtoli terminal mirrored the same bustling scenes. Long-distance buses from the northern and southern districts have been entering the capital since morning, and so far, traffic on highways remains smooth, passengers reported. Terminal authorities predict the volume of returning passengers will multiply in the evening.

Sadarghat Launch Terminal

Sadarghat saw a notable rise in returning passengers from southern districts, especially from the Barisal division. Terminal officials reported that 70 to 75 launches had docked at the ghat by 8 am. Due to the crowd, congestion and long walks from the launch terminal to nearby transport points caused discomfort for many.

According to launch workers, Saturday’s crowd surpassed that of the past two days. They also anticipate a similar or even larger crowd on Sunday as city life returns to its usual rhythm.

Paturia Ghat, Manikganj

At Paturia Ghat, people from southwestern districts began returning early in the morning. While the journey was mostly smooth, passengers complained of being overcharged for fares. In response, a mobile court from Shibalaya Upazila conducted drives to curb fare violations, fining two launches Tk 26,000 and two buses Tk 6,000 for carrying excess passengers.

To accommodate the high volume of returnees, 17 ferries and 20 launches have been deployed on the Paturia-Daulatdia route, ensuring smoother travel across the river.

As the working week resumes Sunday, authorities expect another major wave of returnees throughout Saturday evening and early Sunday, bringing Dhaka back to full activity after the Eid festivities.

END/MSS/AJ