Trains, buses, launches packed with homebound travellers

As Eid-ul-Azha approaches, a familiar rhythm has returned to the capital - trains humming out of the city, buses packed to the brim, and launches leaving Dhaka's shores under a dusky sky.

On Wednesday, thousands of people began their long-awaited journey home to spend the festival with loved ones, bringing life to the city's transport terminals.

From Kamalapur to Gabtoli, from Sadarghat to Mohakhali - the city pulsed with anticipation, relief, and the occasional frustration that marks the start of Bangladesh's largest seasonal migration.

At Kamalapur Railway Station, the air buzzed with movement. Families clutched bags, children clung to parents, and announcements echoed through the loudspeakers.

It was the fifth day of Eid-special train departures, and despite the rush, things were running smoothly.

Station Master Md Anwar Hossain confirmed that 50 trains had departed between morning and 6:00 pm on Wednesday - all on time. Thanks to strict security and a three-tier ticket checking system, the usual chaos of ticketless passengers flooding the platforms was missing this year.

"We've worked hard to make this year's Eid journey better for everyone," Hossain said. "Mobile courts are operating and law enforcement is active around the clock."

Many travelers expressed appreciation.

"I'm heading to Dewanganj to be with my family," said Md Mosharraf Hossain, waiting for the Teesta Eid Special. "This year's train service is really well-managed. It's a relief."

Md Kalimullah, heading to Rangpur, agreed.

"The system is working. Only ticketed passengers are getting on trains, and they're leaving on time. That makes a huge difference."

Over at Gabtoli Bus Terminal, the mood was more mixed. While passengers were eager to get home, many voiced frustration over sudden fare hikes, especially those traveling to northern districts.

Md Anwar Pramanik, a rickshaw puller, was disheartened.

"They asked for Tk 900 to go to Rangpur. The usual fare is Tk 550. It's a big jump, and I can barely afford it," he said.

Others shared similar stories. Akter Hossain, bound for Rajshahi, said local buses were charging Tk 500 instead of Tk 250. Passengers alleged that an informal syndicate of bus operators was exploiting the holiday rush.

"The government just cut fuel prices," said Ferdous Ahmed, heading to Faridpur. "There's no reason to charge us more."

Bus operators, however, offered a different perspective. Many insisted they were not overcharging but simply asking for a bit more to offset losses on return trips that often run half-empty.

"Most people understand. Eid should be festive for everyone - even drivers and helpers," said one bus operator.

Home Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury made a surprise visit to Mohakhali Terminal, urging operators not to exploit passengers and to prioritize safety and fairness.

Down by the river at Sadarghat Launch Terminal, another wave of travelers was setting off. Under the glow of terminal lights, passengers boarded launches headed for southern districts - many with smiles, some with sleeping children slung over shoulders.

Mobarak Hossain, Joint Director of River Safety and Traffic Management, said operations were running smoothly.

"We've taken all necessary precautions. More passengers are expected today (Thursday) and tomorrow (Friday)," he told The Financial Express.

Launch operators, for their part, assured that no extra fares were being charged, and that crowd control measures were in place.

As Dhaka gradually begins to empty out ahead of Eid, the excitement, and stress, of the journey home is once again on full display.

Despite fare issues on some bus routes, this year's mass movement appears more organised than in recent years.

For millions, the long hours of travel, the ticket queues, and the fare haggling all lead to a single goal: celebrating Eid at home, surrounded by family.

talhabinhabib@yahoo.com