In Bangladesh, Eid-ul-Adha means a massive homebound rush. Every year before the Eid of sacrifice, millions of people leave Dhaka for their hometowns and villages to celebrate with loved ones. Not only from Dhaka, but people from other major cities also travel back to rural areas. This journey is not just emotional; it is also the country’s largest internal movement of people. However, this festive travel often turns into a painful experience. Hours-long traffic congestion, excessive fares, ticket shortages, and disorder on the roads together take away much of the joy of returning home.
The situation becomes even more complicated during Eid-ul-Adha because, at this time, roads carry not only passenger vehicles but also a huge number of sacrificial animals. Trucks loaded with cattle, goats, and other animals travel from different parts of the country to Dhaka and other major cities. At the same time, passenger buses, private cars, and goods-laden trucks all crowd the highways, multiplying traffic pressure several times over. Temporary cattle markets are often set up beside major highways, creating additional obstacles to traffic movement. In many places, trucks carrying animals occupy large portions of the roads. As a result, even short distances can take several exhausting hours to cross.
General people suffer the most in such circumstances. The situation becomes particularly difficult for women, children, and elderly travelers journeying with their families. Many fail to reach their destinations on time after being trapped in severe traffic jams for long hours. Increased road pressure also raises the risk of accidents. In many cases, irregular passenger pick-up and drop-off practices, illegal roadside parking, and poor traffic management further prolong congestion.
However, one important development over the past several years has made Eid travel considerably more comfortable: the introduction of online ticketing systems. In the past, securing Eid tickets was almost a battle for general people. Even after standing in long lines at bus counters or railway stations for hours, many still failed to get tickets. People often had to queue from the night before or before dawn. Ticket black-marketing, broker syndicates, and paying extra money for tickets were common experiences. In many cases, people lost an entire day or even more just trying to buy a ticket.
Today, that picture has changed significantly. Thanks to online ticketing, people can now buy bus and train tickets directly from their smartphones while staying at home. This has not only saved time but also reduced suffering considerably. Railway stations and bus terminals no longer witness the kind of chaotic crowds seen in previous years. The ticket purchasing process has become more transparent, and the influence of ticket brokers has declined substantially. This has brought particular relief to young people and working professionals. Of course, it cannot be claimed that all complaints regarding ticket availability have disappeared. It may still take time to fully resolve such issues. One major reason is that the number of travelers during Eid far exceeds available transport capacity. Better transport management may help address this challenge more effectively.
Still, simplifying ticket systems alone will not eliminate the overall suffering associated with Eid travel. What is needed is coordinated planning and effective traffic management. First, temporary cattle markets along highways must be properly regulated during Eid. Markets should not be allowed directly beside major roads, and alternative designated locations should be arranged. Second, specific time schedules could be introduced for vehicles transporting sacrificial animals so that passenger transport is not disrupted.
Third, stronger coordination and training among those responsible for road management are essential. Effective communication among traffic police, law enforcement agencies, transport owners and workers, local administration, and highway authorities can help solve many problems quickly. Often, even a minor accident or a broken-down vehicle creates massive traffic congestion simply because immediate action is not taken. Therefore, emergency response and rescue services must be strengthened further. Accident-prone areas should be identified, and emergency support should be made easily accessible around those locations.
In addition, maintaining discipline around bus terminals and railway stations is equally important. Proper systems for passenger boarding and drop-off must be ensured. Strict monitoring is necessary to prevent illegal parking on highways. At the same time, more rest areas, adequate toilet facilities and emergency healthcare services should be arranged along travel routes so passengers can travel with greater comfort.
Most importantly, Eid travel should not be viewed merely as a seasonal issue. It is deeply connected to the country’s economy, urban management, and public transportation structure. Therefore, long-term planning must include improvements in public transportation, expansion of railway services, and greater investment in technology-based traffic management systems.
Eid is a celebration of joy. Ensuring that this joy is not lost on the roads is the responsibility of the state, the administration, and all related stakeholders. Just as online ticketing has reduced public suffering, coordinated initiatives and effective management can make Eid travel safer, smoother, and more humane for everyone.
Writer: Emran Hossain Milon, Media Professional.
