Eid holidaymakers scramble to return, many walking towards Dhaka

After celebrating Eid-ul-Fitr, holidaymakers are struggling to return to Dhaka today due to the suspension of long-distance bus service.

Hundreds of people were seen entering Dhaka on foot under the scorching sun, as many offices and factories have already reopened after the Eid holiday.

Many were ignoring health rules -- not wearing masks or maintaining physical distancing -- raising the risk of Covid-19 transmission.

People from high-income groups are returning to Dhaka either in private cars or rented vehicles or flights.

Middleclass and low-income people are facing all the difficulties as they are paying two to three times more than the usual fare to reach Dhaka due to transport crisis.

There was also rush at the ferry ghats.

While visiting different spots in Dhaka and nearby areas in the morning, our photojournalist Palash Khan saw people from different districts coming to Aminbazar by whatever vehicles they could avail.

They hired motorcycles, auto-rickshaws, easy-bikes, microbuses, and private cars to reach their destinations.

Some had to change vehicles multiple times to return to Dhaka.

From Aminbazar, they were walking to Dhaka. Once they entered the capital, they took rickshaws, motorcycles and auto-rickshaws to reach their destinations.     

A number of motorcycles were seen carrying four passengers and many auto-rickshaws were carrying passengers beyond the capacity -- putting lives at risk.

Many were holding children on their laps or carrying heavy luggage. But still, they seemed content after getting a respite during Eid with their near and dear ones.

While visiting Motijheel, our photojournalists saw little rush in the morning.

Some 1.06 crore mobile phone users left Dhaka till May 15, after the exodus began on May 4 despite strict restrictions on movement to curb the spread of Covid-19, according to data of Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission.