Gabtoli terminal stands empty as Eid travelers depart early

The scene at Dhaka’s Gabtoli Bus Terminal has changed dramatically overnight. Until Thursday, the terminal was crowded with Eid-bound passengers, but on Friday it appeared largely empty. The usual hustle and bustle and long queues at ticket counters were nowhere to be seen. Long-distance buses were parked neatly in rows, but passengers were scarce.

A visit to Gabtoli Bus Terminal revealed this unusual calm in the morning. In previous years, extra crowds were seen at bus counters on the day before Eid, but this year, the scene is different. With Eid just a day away, a large number of people have already left Dhaka, leaving the capital noticeably quieter.

At the terminal, ticket counters were largely idle, with staff waiting for passengers. Transport workers called out to attract travelers, but only a handful approached the counters. Some passengers were waiting at specific counters for buses to depart. Long-distance buses were parked in neat rows beside the counters, while transport workers passed time idly, occasionally moving around the terminal.

Shahnewaz, counter master of Sohag Transport, told Jago News, “Since morning, a few buses have left with empty seats from the counters. Throughout the day, five more buses are scheduled to leave Dhaka. Many buses are still at the terminal, but there are hardly any passengers.”

Jayanta Roy Chowdhury, counter master of Eagle Transport, said, “There are no passengers at the counters; it’s visible. Not a single bus has departed since morning. This year, the passenger rush at Gabtoli is very low. Especially after the Padma Bridge opened, the Eid rush on this route has decreased significantly.”

Several transport workers at Gabtoli confirmed that there are practically no passengers today, and very few buses are departing. They are passing time idly.

The low passenger rush has made it easier for travelers to get tickets. Many last-minute passengers expressed relief at being able to secure tickets without hassle.

“I got my ticket at the counter this morning and am now waiting to go home,” said Iqbal, a passenger from Jashore.

Hridoy, a traveler from Satkhira, added, “I hadn’t planned to go home this holiday, but my family kept urging me over the phone. I found tickets available at the counter, so I headed home at the last moment without any difficulty.”

It is not only Gabtoli; a morning check at other bus terminals, including Mohakhali and Saidabad, also revealed low passenger density. Only a few travelers were arriving, and very few buses were departing.

Meanwhile, with Eid-ul-Fitr around the corner, working professionals are leaving Dhaka at the last moment. Data from Kamalapur Railway Station shows that passenger density is slightly lower than the previous day. However, people from various professions are still heading to their villages to celebrate Eid with family. Almost all trains are departing on schedule.