Even after the Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations, many people are leaving the capital. On Monday, the third day of Eid, Kamalapur Railway Station in Dhaka was crowded with passengers heading home. Many chose trains to reach different destinations across the country, avoiding road traffic hassles, to spend time with family or take advantage of the holiday.
Before Eid, many were unable to travel due to ticket unavailability, overcrowding, or fears of long road jams. As a result, they are now traveling after Eid to meet family or go on trips.
A visit to the station revealed a packed platform, with passengers arriving early with their families, waiting for their trains. Trains to various routes—including Rajshahi, Khulna, Jamalpur, and Nilphamari—were notably crowded. Some trains were delayed beyond their scheduled time, increasing waiting times.
Zainal Abedin, a passenger on the Rajshahi-bound Dhumketu Express, came with his wife and children. He told Jago News, “Before Eid, road traffic was heavy, and trains were overcrowded. I couldn’t travel then, but now I am going home with some relief.”
Jamalpur-bound passenger Kamrul Islam shared a similar experience. “Traveling with children during Eid was very difficult due to the crowds. That’s why I chose to travel after Eid. Now it’s comparatively easier,” he said.
Meanwhile, Nilshagor Express passenger Saiful Islam, waiting for the train to Chilahati, said the train was slightly delayed due to a few coaches derailing just before Eid. “Even though there is some delay today, traveling by train is far more comfortable than by road,” he added.
Many are also traveling for leisure trips during the Eid holidays, leading to crowded trains heading to popular tourist destinations. Suman Ahmed, waiting for the Parjatan Express to Cox’s Bazar, said, “Before Eid, I went to my family home in Khulna. I returned to Dhaka yesterday. Today, I am taking my wife to Cox’s Bazar. We haven’t traveled much since our wedding, so we’re taking this opportunity.”
Mohammad Amir, a resident of Old Dhaka, was traveling with his family to Khulna. “We celebrated Eid in Dhaka. Now we are going to explore the Sundarbans with the family, and later plan to visit Kuakata,” he said.
Overall, the third day of Eid saw significant passenger presence at the station, with some returning home to continue Eid celebrations with family, while others traveled to various tourist destinations across the country.