Mass Eid travel surge raises gridlock concerns on the Sylhet–Dhaka highway

As Eid-ul-Fitr approaches, Sylhet is experiencing a sharp rise in homebound travellers, with packed streets and bus terminals reflecting the festive rush.

Alongside the excitement, however, concerns are growing over potential travel disruptions on the Sylhet-Dhaka highway.

The surge picked up from Tuesday after government offices closed for a seven-day holiday, with Monday marking the last working day. Since then, transport hubs across the city have been crowded with passengers heading to various parts of the country.

Eid is likely to fall on March 21, depending on moon sighting. To ease travel pressure, authorities had earlier announced a five-day holiday from March 19 to 23, later extending it to include March 18.

Despite these measures, both travellers and transport operators fear that the key highway may once again become a major bottleneck. The route—vital for passengers from Sylhet, Sunamganj, Moulvibazar and Habiganj—has long suffered from narrow stretches, damaged roads and ongoing construction, particularly in Brahmanbaria and parts of Narayanganj.

Officials warn that a journey typically taking five to six hours could stretch to 12–15 hours during peak Eid travel. The most problematic section remains the 12-kilometre stretch between Ashuganj and Bishwaroad, where work on a six-lane highway continues at a slow pace.

Persistent congestion at the Ashuganj roundabout and Bishwaroad intersection often leads to hours-long delays. Other trouble spots include Katihata, Sultanpur and Tontor Bazar in Brahmanbaria, where poor road conditions force vehicles to move slowly.

The situation is expected to worsen with increased vehicle movement during Eid, according to travellers and highway police. Unauthorised CNG auto-rickshaw stands at Bishwaroad, Kuttapara, Ashuganj, Sohagpur and Sonarampur, along with roadside markets and illegal structures, are also likely to disrupt traffic flow.

Police have identified 43 congestion-prone points along the highway. Authorities have deployed additional highway police personnel, ensured at least two lanes remain open in construction zones, and taken steps to control slow-moving vehicles.

Despite these efforts, many travellers remain apprehensive, recalling past Eid journeys marked by long delays—especially along the Brahmanbaria stretch. With vehicle numbers set to rise sharply, heavy traffic combined with ongoing infrastructure work may once again turn the journey into a long and exhausting ordeal.

Road Transport and Bridges Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam said on Tuesday that efforts are underway to ensure smooth travel. Speaking at the inauguration of Gona Bridge in Bakerganj upazila of Barishal, he acknowledged the challenge but expressed optimism that people would be able to return home without major difficulties.