Mass exodus from Dhaka begins as 10-day Eid holiday kicks off

June 5, 2025, 5:47 pm

UNB

This is for the first time in history that with a rare 10-day Eid-ul-Azha holiday beginning on Thursday, Bangladesh is witnessing one of the largest mass movements of people in recent times as millions begin their journey from Dhaka and its adjoining areas to celebrate the festival with their loved ones.

Although the official Eid journey is to begin from today (Thursday), the exodus started informally from May 30, when educational institutions across the country went on holiday.

But, the rush reached its peak on Wednesday—the last working day before Eid—as people started leaving Dhaka from noon onward.

Bangladesh will celebrate Eid-ul-Azha on Saturday, (June 7).

Due to the extended holidays, particularly from Wednesday through early Saturday, tens of millions are expected to leave the capital.

Terminals across Dhaka, including Sadarghat Launch Terminal, Kamalapur Railway Station and various inter-district bus stations, have been overcrowded for the surge in passengers since Wednesday morning.

Though there is no specific statistics about the number of people who will leave the mega city Dhaka and its adjoining areas for celebrating the upcoming Eid, the National Committee to Protect Shipping, Roads and Railways (NCPSRR) and the Shipping and Communication Reporters Forum (SCRF), said nearly 20 million people are expected to leave Greater Dhaka during this Eid break—around 10 million of whom are departing from Dhaka city alone.

But, the rush reached its peak on Wednesday—the last working day before Eid—as people started leaving Dhaka from noon onward.

Bangladesh will celebrate Eid-ul-Azha on Saturday, (June 7).

According to the two watchdog organisations, around 60% of holiday travelers will use roadways, 25% will take trains and rest 15% will opting for water routes to reach thier respective destinations.

NCPSRR President Mohammad Shahid Mia said, “This year, due to the long 10-day holiday, we are expecting the highest number of homebound travelers from Dhaka in recent memory. However, many are choosing to leave after Eid, which may ease travel pressure on certain days.”

Ashis Kumar Dey, President of the SCRF, noted that political factors could slightly alter travel trends this year. “A significant number of political activists, especially those from the recently ousted Awami League and its affiliate organizations, are currently in hiding and are not traveling to their home districts. Still, this will not have any notable impact on the overall number of Eid travelers,” he said.

Ashis Dey added that despite the absence of these political actors, this year’s outbound numbers may surpass previous years due to the unusually long break. “Many people plan to sacrifice their animals in Dhaka and leave for their hometowns later in the day or the day after Eid, thanks to the extended leave.”

The bulk of these travellers are residents of the Dhaka North and South City Corporations and adjacent suburban areas, heading home by road, rail, or river to be with their families for the religious celebrations.

Authorities continue to advise caution and patience as the massive holiday migration is underway, with transport systems operating at full capacity to accommodate the surge.

Meanwhile, Dhaka city started becoming deserted mode as city dwellers begin to leave the city for eid holidays.

During the Eid vacation, many residential houses as well as other institutions, including commercial and financial, will be remained empty.

Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury after visiting Gabtoli bus terminal on Thursday, said though many people will leave Dhaka for Eid, members of law enforcement agencies will remain in the city to ensure security. So, the capital's security situation is expected to remain good.

He acknowledged that rain has caused traffic congestion in some areas on the highways but added that comprehensive measures have been taken to avoid such situations, especially on highways.