Crowds at Kamalapur as voters head home to vote
With the 13th National Parliamentary Election scheduled for February 12, voters from Dhaka—including working professionals and people from various walks of life—are leaving the capital to exercise their franchise. A visit to Kamalapur Railway Station revealed a festive, Eid-like atmosphere.
From early Tuesday morning (February 10), the station was crowded with passengers. Joy and anticipation were visible on the faces of travelers returning home with friends and family amid laughter and excitement. For many, the journey felt like going home for Eid.
Due to unavailability of bus tickets, most passengers chose to travel by train. With seats in short supply, many were traveling standing or even on the roofs of coaches. Railway authorities are struggling to manage the increased load.
Several trains departed with passengers even after all seats were full, forcing some to climb onto rooftops. While risky, travelers said their desire to return home to vote outweighed the danger.
A railway official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, “We are instructing passengers not to ride on the roofs. But due to overwhelming demand, it is impossible to prevent everyone. Many are taking risks to vote, and considering humanitarian concerns, we have to show some flexibility.”
Festive Election Mood
Arifa and her husband, traveling to Kaliganj in Jhenaidah to vote, run a pharmacy in Dhaka’s Jatrabari area. Arifa said, “This election feels like a festive occasion after a long time. Business at the shop is low, so we are going to the village. I will vote for the first time, and it is an indescribable feeling. Seeing hundreds of people like me at Kamalapur, it feels like Eid.”
Shahidul Islam and three friends, heading to Kushtia, said, “This election is crucial for standing against exploitation and injustice. We are all first-time voters. This is a big opportunity for the younger generation.”
Bithika Majumdar, traveling to Khulna with her husband and children, said, “I heard that army, police, and BGB personnel will be present at every polling station. I hope this will ensure a fair election. I missed previous elections for various reasons, but I won’t miss this one. After voting, we will return to Dhaka on February 13.”
Strain on Railway Services
Railway sources said passenger pressure has increased several times compared to normal due to the election. Despite adding extra coaches and special arrangements, authorities are struggling to manage the crowd.
Overall, the rush of voters returning to their villages has created a unique atmosphere in Dhaka. Amid political tension, enthusiasm and eagerness to exercise the right to vote have brought a festive mood to Kamalapur and other transport hubs across the country.