Dhaka sees mass exodus as 10-day Eid holiday begins

The Asia Mirror
1. Thursday, June 5, 2025 / 127 Time View

TAM Report ||

With a 10-day Eid-ul-Azha holiday beginning on Thursday Dhaka, is witnessing one of the largest mass movements of people in recent times as millions begin their journey from the capital and its adjoining areas to celebrate the festival with their loved ones.

This is for the first time in history that the government has approved a rare 10-day Eid-ul-Azha holiday,

Although the official Eid journey was to begin on Thursday, the exodus started informally from May 30, when educational institutions across the country went on holiday, according to a UNB report.

But, the rush reached its peak on Wednesday—the last working day before Eid—as people started leaving Dhaka from noon onward.

Bangladesh will celebrate Eid-ul-Azha on Saturday, (June 7).

Due to the extended holidays, particularly from Wednesday through early Saturday, tens of millions are expected to leave the capital.

Terminals across Dhaka, including Sadarghat Launch Terminal, Kamalapur Railway Station and various inter-district bus stations, have been overcrowded for the surge in passengers since Wednesday morning.

Though there is no specific statistics about the number of people who will leave the mega city Dhaka and its adjoining areas for celebrating the upcoming Eid, the National Committee to Protect Shipping, Roads and Railways (NCPSRR) and the Shipping and Communication Reporters Forum (SCRF), said nearly 20 million people are expected to leave Greater Dhaka during this Eid break—around 10 million of whom are departing from Dhaka city alone.

According to the two watchdog organisations, around 60% of holiday travelers will use roadways, 25%  will take trains and rest 15% will opting for water routes to reach thier respective destinations.

NCPSRR President Mohammad Shahid Mia said, “This year, due to the long 10-day holiday, we are expecting the highest number of homebound travelers from Dhaka in recent memory. However, many are choosing to leave after Eid, which may ease travel pressure on certain days.”

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