Home goers are reaching their destinations to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr, the biggest religious festival of Muslims, with their dear and near ones by road, rail and waterways smoothly without facing any hassle due to long holidays as well as government measures.
The joy of returning home a few days before Eid spread across the country, as holidaymakers are facing no sufferings like charging extra fare, traffic congestion, schedule collapse of rails or boarding additional passengers on launches, on railways, roads or waterway.
Talking to BSS, Akhi Akhter, who was going to Lalmonirhat by Lalmoni Express train, said she was able to board the train from Kamalapur and sit safely in her seat as there was no jostling in the compartment which was a very common or regular phenomenon of Eid journey every year.
“This time, due to opening of new railway bridge on river Jamuna, train crossed the bridge within few minutes but earlier trains needed huge time to cross the old bridge. I returned home very smoothly and safely,” she said.
At Kamalapur railway station, it can be seen that trains are arriving at the platform at a specific time and departing at a specific time. Strict security is being maintained by law enforcers at the entrance.
No one is being allowed to enter the platform without a ticket. As there are no additional passengers, they (passengers) are seen waiting at the platforms in a relax way.
Obaidur Rahman, a passenger of Kishoreganj Express, said earlier, he regularly had to face problem of schedule collapse of trains during Eid journey but this time after arriving at the station, he saw that train is standing at the station which is like a dream to him.
At Sayedabad and Mohakhali bus terminals, it can be seen that there is a crowd of passengers at the terminals but there is no pressure.
Counter staff were not seen arguing with passengers over additional fares. Mobile courts of Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) and patrolling by law enforcement agencies and a complaint centers and help desks were seen at the terminals.
Immediate action is taken if anyone complains about charging extra fares or violating rules. Members of security forces were seen searching buses with dog squads at the Mohakhali Bus Terminal.
Masud Rana, a bus passenger going to Sherpur, said, "This time we are going home very comfortably. I bought the ticket as soon as I reached the platform. Other times, we used to pay extra fare for the ticket. The bus also came to the counter at the scheduled time."
Meanwhile, launches are leaving from Sadarghat launch terminal on the river routes to various destinations in the country at the scheduled time and fare.
If the launch is late, the security personnel at the terminal are seen to be very active. Aman Ullah, a passenger on the Barguna-bound MV Royal Cruise launch, said one can also go home quickly by bus but launch journey is very comfortable and enjoyable.
“This time, there is not so much crowd at the launch. I will be able to go home safely and comfortably,”
he said.
Dhaka Railway Station Manager Md. Shahadat Hossain said, "We have been able to ensure safe and smooth rail services so far. We are increasing security at the station, checking tickets. All trains are leaving on time. We are monitoring everything strictly."
