As Dhaka residents left the city to celebrate Eid in their native towns and villages, the capital’s Kallyanpur and Gabtoli bus terminals saw a rush of passengers on Monday (8 April).
Transport workers say as the Eid holidays have begun from Monday, the number of passengers has increased.
“Passenger pressure is high from today. We have already sold out all the tickets online. After the evening, the crowd will increase,” said Nurul Hossain Mia, manager of Shyamoli Paribahan in Gabtoli bus stand.
“Many have already gone home to avoid the crowd. But the passenger pressure will increase tomorrow,” he added.
While there was no rush of passengers on 7 April at the two bus terminals, visiting them on 8 April, a large number of holidaymakers were seen waiting for buses.
Many bought advance tickets online to avoid hassle, while others were seen standing in lines to buy tickets before boarding the buses.
Shahidul Islam, who is travelling via SP Golden Line, said, “I will go to Jashore. I could not buy advance tickets. I was worried whether I would get a ticket. The price was high but fortunately, I got it. I hope the bus will start on time as there is a possibility of traffic jams going by ferry.”
The supervisor of Satkhira Express’s Gabtoli counter said, “Our buses are leaving every half an hour. We are working to serve passengers. Most of our tickets have been sold out in advance online.”
Meanwhile, passengers of various buses going to Jashore, Satkhira, Magura, Manirampur, Benapole, and Narail said that the transportation companies were charging between Tk200-300 extra over Eid.
