Millions of people travelling home for Eid have endured long delays, overcrowding and higher fares, as the annual exodus from the capital gathered pace.

On Wednesday, holidaymakers leaving Dhaka to celebrate the Muslim festival reported severe congestion at key exit points, including Jatrabari and Abdullahpur. Many also complained of being charged nearly double the usual fares by transport operators.

Railway stations and the Sadarghat launch terminal were similarly crowded, as passengers struggled to secure seats on trains and river vessels.

Despite the difficulties, many said the prospect of celebrating Eid with family outweighed the hardship.

Authorities deployed mobile courts to fine several bus operators accused of overcharging, but passengers said the measures had little immediate impact.

There were also reports of accidents across the country. At least three people were killed in a road crash in Bogura, while one person died after two launches collided at Sadarghat. In a separate incident, around 50 passengers were injured when the Nilsagar Express train derailed in Bogura’s Adamdighi area.

However, the government presented a more positive assessment. Sheikh Rabiul Alam, the minister overseeing rail, road and shipping, said journeys had been “smooth overall” and claimed most operators were charging fares in line with government guidelines, with some even offering slightly reduced rates.

Passengers described a different reality.

Rakibul Hossain, who travelled from Dhaka’s Norda area to Patuakhali, said his six-hour journey took around ten hours. “We left at 7:50 in the morning, but it took more than two hours just to reach Postogola,” he said, citing heavy congestion from Malibag to Jatrabari, roadworks and narrow lanes.

He added that he paid significantly more than the standard fare. “I booked in advance, but was charged Tk950 instead of the usual Tk600,” he said. “Still, the hardship feels worth it to be home for Eid.”

Another traveller, Jashim Uddin, described his journey to Moulvibazar as “extremely chaotic”, blaming road repairs, diversions and dust. He pointed to damaged stretches of road in parts of Brahmanbaria, as well as roadside markets and unauthorised structures, which he said worsened congestion.

The minister, speaking to reporters after inspecting Gabtoli Bus Terminal, maintained that services were operating as scheduled and that complaints had been limited. He urged passengers to report any overcharging to control rooms or law enforcement agencies.

A mobile court operation in areas including Jatrabari and Sayedabad resulted in fines for two bus companies accused of charging above approved rates.

Meanwhile, traffic built up steadily on major highways leading out of Dhaka. On the Dhaka-Tangail route, congestion stretched up to 20 kilometres near the Chandra junction by evening, worsened by rainfall.

Transport operators and passengers also pointed to increased pressure on services following the staggered closure of garment factories in Gazipur, which has driven up demand and left many workers struggling to find affordable travel options.

For many, however, the difficulties remain part of a familiar annual journey – one undertaken in the hope of reuniting with loved ones for one of the most important festivals of the year.

FP/A