At the Dholairpar bus terminal in Dhaka, one-and-a-half-year-old Raisa Moni sits quietly on her mother’s lap in front of a bus counter. Surrounded by crowds, heat, and constant movement, the toddler rests her head on her mother’s shoulder. She is heading to her grandfather’s house in Barishal to celebrate Eid, but her bus has not yet arrived.
As Eid-ul-Fitr approaches, city residents are leaving Dhaka to join their families. Although some began travelling a few days ago, passenger pressure at the Sayedabad and Dholairpar terminals increased noticeably from this morning (16 March) and is expected to intensify as the day progresses.
Buses depart from Sayedabad for destinations across the country, including Sylhet, Chattogram, Barishal, and Khulna. Many long-distance travellers had purchased tickets in advance to secure seats. Buses bound for southern districts leave one after another, with passengers crowding counters and families waiting nearby.
Mohammad Russell, who works at a private company, was unable to purchase an advance ticket due to a demanding work schedule. Although his home is in Gopalganj, he eventually got a ticket for a Khulna-bound bus. “I couldn’t buy an advance ticket,” he said. “So I bought a ticket for a Khulna bus. It will depart in four hours, so I have to wait here.”
Counter officials described the growing rush. Debashish Bala of Tunipara Express said passenger pressure rose from Monday morning. “Buses to Barishal and Khulna have left normally until noon, but the rush is likely to increase further in the afternoon,” he noted, adding that many passengers are still buying tickets at counters, while some cancelled seats are quickly resold.
Junaid Islam of Golden Line Bus Service said most buses to the southern region have been carrying heavy loads. “Only one bus failed to depart on time due to an accident; the rest left as scheduled.”
Ruman, a Shyamoli Paribahan official, reported that eight buses had departed on different routes, with a few having one or two empty seats. “Passenger pressure will increase significantly from the afternoon,” he said.
With Eid approaching, the flow of people leaving Dhaka is intensifying. At Sayedabad and Dholairpar, many children like little Raisa wait patiently with their parents, eager to celebrate Eid with loved ones, making the long wait and travel worthwhile.
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