Dr Hosne Ara Begum, the Provost of Rokeya Hall, said, “Students stay behind for various reasons—studies, personal matters, or religious commitments. This year, about 40-45 students remain, compared to nearly 200 last year. Since the holidays are longer this time, most students have travelled home. We strive to create a familial atmosphere for those who stay behind, providing meals throughout the day, though we cannot fully replicate the warmth of home.”
For some professionals, duty takes precedence over personal celebrations.Fariha (not her real name), a medical officer at a private hospital in Mohammadpur, Dhaka, has not been granted leave this Eid, much like the previous Eid-ul-Azha. With her family residing in Barishal, she finds it painful to celebrate without them.“Living alone is already difficult. Missing Eid with my parents is even harder. However, when I serve patients, their gratitude helps me forget my hardships. Their smiles bring joy to my heart.”Similarly, Noboni (not her real name), a journalist at a news agency, has spent the past few Eids in Dhaka due to work obligations.She said, “I live alone in Badda. We usually get leave for one of the two Eid festivals, but duty often comes first. Since I live in the north of the country, travelling home within just three days is almost impossible. By the time I pass through the traffic, the day is nearly over. Later, I plan to take leave, but work pressure keeps delaying it.”Despite the difficulty, Noboni finds fulfilment in her role. “As frontliners, our responsibility to the nation is significant. The satisfaction of ensuring people’s safety during Eid outweighs the sacrifice. People trust our reports, so it is our professional duty to provide accurate information. The office has become my second familyZaima Riyan, a private university student working part-time, is also unable to return home for Eid. “My university is closed, but my workplace only gives two days off—Eid day and the day after. It is impossible to travel home for such a short time. I started this job recently, working after classes to ease my parents’ financial burden. I had hoped to visit home, but since I cannot, I have sent gifts to my parents instead. The hardest part is not being able to hand them over in person.”According to the latest report from the Ministry of Public Administration, Bangladesh has 1,396,818 government employees, with 987,679 men and 409,139 women, making up approximately 29% of the total workforce.The remaining 71% work in the private sector, many without official holidays. Among them are essential workers such as doctors, journalists, police officers, and administrative staff, whose commitment keeps the country running even during the most festive periods.For those staying behind in Dhaka, the joy of Eid is bittersweet. While they deeply miss their families, they remain committed to their responsibilities, striving for a better future. Their sacrifices, though painful, reflect resilience, dedication, and a sense of duty that is truly commendable.