On the fourth day of Eid travel, the number of people heading home has significantly increased, causing overcrowding on trains running on the Dhaka-Mymensingh route. Due to the lack of space inside, many are risking their lives by traveling on the roofs and engines of trains in the rain.
Visits to Mymensingh Junction Station and Gafargaon Station on Saturday (15 June) revealed the extent of the situation. Trains such as the intercity Teesta Express, Jamalpur Express, Agnibina Express, Mohanganj Express, Eid Special Train, Bolaka Commuter, Dewanganj Commuter, Mohua Commuter, and Jamalpur Commuter were observed to be overwhelmingly crowded. Despite the heavy rush, there have been no schedule disruptions on the Dhaka-Mymensingh route, with trains departing on time.
Local trains are particularly packed inside and on their roofs, making it difficult for passengers with tickets to reach their seats. Extra security measures have been implemented at stations to handle the surge in passengers.
Rubel Mia, a passenger on the Jamalpur Commuter train, is traveling with his wife and child on the roof. He stated, “I had to get on the roof because there was no space inside the train.”
Ruma Akter, traveling on the roof, said, “I have to go home. My parents and in-laws are there, and I am enduring this hardship for their sake.”
Aminul Islam, another passenger, mentioned, “There is tremendous crowding. I boarded at Joydevpur Station, heading to Mymensingh. I could not sit in my seat after reaching Gafargaon Station.”
Sub-Inspector Dipak Pal of the Mymensingh Railway Police said, “Traveling on the roof of trains is prohibited. We are immediately removing anyone attempting to board the roof. We are also making announcements to prevent passengers from traveling on the roof and advising them not to accept drinks or food from strangers to avoid theft.”
Nazmul Haque Khan, the Station Master at Mymensingh Railway Station, said, “There are no schedule disruptions for trains from Kamalapur to Mymensingh. Trains are arriving on time.”
