2024-04-07 14:43:56
Usually a few days before Eid there is an overcrowding of passengers at Gabtali Bus Terminal in the capital. However, this time the familiar picture is not seen. Homebound people are leaving Dhaka with relief.
On Friday (April 5) afternoon at Gabtali Bus Terminal, it was seen that passengers were leaving Dhaka by bus for different destinations. As other times there is pressure for passengers around Eid, this time there is no such pressure.
Aqib Shahriar, a passenger going to Jhenaidah, said that compared to other times, the pressure of passengers at Gabtali is less. Since, we are taking family, so we booked tickets in advance. No problems so far. Hopefully, I will be able to return home safely and share the joy of Eid with my relatives.
Mehdi Shaon, a passenger in Kushtia, said that the mood for Eid holidays has started a little earlier. Because a long holiday is available this Eid. Due to this, there is no excess pressure of vehicles on the road.
Those involved in the transport business say that this time the number of passengers is less than expected. Many passengers on this route are now returning home via Padma Bridge; Especially the people of southern 17 districts. So, bus tickets are easily available at this time as well. The long distance bus is leaving from Gabtali at the scheduled time.
Vipul Ahmed, the counter manager of Hanif Enterprises on the Dhaka-Kushtia route, said that earlier, passengers from southern regions including Khulna, Barisal, Gopalganj used to go home via Gabtali. People of these districts no longer come to Gabtali since the Padma Bridge was opened. They are traveling via Sayedabad via Padma Bridge. As a result, Gabtali Bus Terminal does not have the usual crowd. Besides, the number of passengers is low as garment factories are not closed yet.
Police control room has been opened at Gabtali bus terminal for the safety of passengers to ensure the safety of Eid journey. Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) vigilance team and owner association booths were also seen.
Incidentally, Eid-ul-Fitr will be celebrated across the country on April 10 if there are 29 fasts and on April 11 if there are 30 fasts. Assuming that Roza is 30 days and Eid-ul-Fitr is on April 11, the government has fixed Eid holidays on April 10, 11 and 12 (Wednesday, Thursday and Friday). After this, government employees are getting weekly holiday on April 13 (Saturday) and New Year holiday on April 14 (Sunday).