DE Online Report
Around 15 million individuals are expected to depart Dhaka region during the Eid-ul-Fitr holidays.
Of the holidaymakers, 60 per cent of them (around 9 million) will go by road and the remaining 40 per cent people will leave Dhaka region, including Dhaka North, Dhaka South, Gazipur and Narayanganj city corporation areas, by water and railways.
National Committee to Protect Shipping, Roads and Railways (NCPSRR) shared its prediction through a press statement on Monday.
It also highlighted on the massive seasonal migration and its implications on transportation and safety.
NCPSRR’s general secretary, Ashis Kumar Dey, stated that the report may not be 100 per cent accurate as there is no relevant complete database but the report was compiled from a variety of sources, including research data, civic groups, and transport sector organizations.
The committee has voiced concerns over the possibility of increased public suffering and accidents on the roads, similar to previous years.
Nevertheless, it acknowledged the government’s significant efforts to facilitate smoother Eid travel for millions.
Drawing from the latest census, the report details the population distribution within the Dhaka division, noting that about 75 per cent of the country’s garment factories are in Gazipur.
Workers, who predominantly reside in the Gazipur region, contribute to the large-scale exodus during Eid.
Additionally, significant populations in Narayanganj and adjacent districts add to the surge of travelers seeking to return to their native places for the Eid holiday.
The report highlights several challenges faced by travelers, including the inadequate capacity of the road transport sector to manage the massive flow of people within a week leading up to Eid.
Issues such as the poor condition of long-distance roads, over 500 risky turning points nationwide, and the manual collection of tolls exacerbating traffic congestion are identified as major obstacles to smooth travel.
Despite these hurdles, the NCPSRR remains optimistic that the implementation of government measures could alleviate some of the public’s difficulties on the roads during this peak travel period.
The focus now shifts to ensuring that these initiatives are carried out effectively to enhance the Eid travel experience for millions.
For those embarking on this journey, the Eid holiday holds profound significance. It is a time of reunion, reflection, and renewal, symbolizing the bonds of family and community that transcend distance and time. Amidst the hustle and bustle of travel, there is a shared sense of camaraderie among travelers, as strangers become companions on the road, sharing stories, snacks, and laughter along the way.
This mass migration is a customary tradition deeply ingrained in the cultural fabric of Bangladesh. Eid-ul-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting, and is celebrated with immense fervor and joy across the country. For many, the festivities are incomplete without reuniting with family and loved ones in their ancestral homes. Thus, the exodus from Dhaka signifies not only a physical journey but also an emotional pilgrimage, reconnecting people with their roots and cherished memories.
