Dhaka took on an unusually deserted look today, as heavy showers lashed the capital, deepening the emptiness left by thousands of residents who have already left the city to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr with their families in village homes.
The week-long holiday for government and private sector employees triggered the early exodus, leaving much of the city quiet. The drizzle-soaked streets, usually teeming with traffic, appeared even more subdued under grey skies.
This year, many city dwellers left Dhaka ahead of time, anticipating that Eid might fall today if Ramadan lasted 29 days. However, as the moon was not sighted last night, Eid will now be celebrated tomorrow.
With Ramadan extending by a day, some who initially failed to secure tickets and planned to stay back reconsidered their plans. Taking advantage of the lighter rush and rain-cooled weather, many began leaving the city today to join their families.
Md Babul, manager of the Ena Transport counter in Kallyanpur, said, “There have been no passengers since morning. A few buses have left almost empty to different destinations.”
“Yesterday we didn’t even have time to breathe, but today we’re passing the time chatting. I’m talking to my family and relatives over the phone.”
“There are enough buses but not the passengers, as people have already left the city,” said another transport official.
Large parts of the capital that typically remain busy from morning till night now seem almost vacant. However, small gatherings are still visible in parts of Old Dhaka, a few shopping malls, and bus terminals where some passengers continue to depart.
In usually bustling areas such as Gabtoli, Mirpur, Mohammadpur, Farmgate, Bijoy Sarani, Karwan Bazar, Banglamotor, Shahbagh, the Press Club area, Paltan, Motijheel and Kamalapur, the contrast is striking — quieter roads and thinner traffic.
Most city buses have been diverted to long-distance routes, leaving only a handful operating within the city. Those that remain are carrying very few passengers, making travel across Dhaka quicker than usual.
Rickshaws and battery-run three-wheelers are more visible on the roads, navigating easily through the light traffic despite the drizzle. Drivers say the reduced congestion has made commuting smoother, while several rickshaw pullers noted that passengers often pay a bit extra during Eid.
Shawon, who works at a private company in the capital, came to the Kallyanpur counter to travel to Rajshahi. He was seen waiting at the Grameen Travels counter, his bus scheduled to leave at 11:30am.
“I bought the ticket online. I thought there would be heavy crowds, but when I arrived I found the counter completely empty. There are only a few of us passengers,” he told The Daily Star.
“Even the streets felt different on the way here — almost empty, with light rain making the city look even quieter.”