Rain, Rush and Reunion: Bus Terminals Overflow with Homebound Eid Travelers

Despite relentless rain and growing travel pressure, Dhaka’s bus terminals have turned into emotional hubs of homebound journeys as thousands of people leave the capital ahead of Eid-ul-Azha. Carrying bags and hopes alike, passengers are enduring the difficult weather in their efforts to reunite with loved ones for the festival.

From early morning, Gabtoli, Sayedabad and Mohakhali bus terminals witnessed huge crowds as families, students, workers and elderly passengers gathered for buses heading to different parts of the country. The rush created a scene marked by chaos, excitement and anticipation.

Although continuous rainfall made movement difficult and added to the suffering of travelers, the festive spirit remained undiminished. Many passengers said the hardship of the journey felt insignificant compared to the joy of returning home.

“I have been waiting since morning, but the rain does not bother me. I just want to reach home and see my parents,” said Rahim Uddin, a garment worker travelling to Pabna.

College student Nusrat Jahan echoed the same feeling while waiting at Sayedabad terminal. “Standing in a long queue in this weather is difficult, but spending Eid with family makes it worthwhile,” she said.

For many daily wage earners, the trip home carries a meaning beyond celebration. “We spend the whole year working in the city. Eid is the only opportunity to go back home. No matter how difficult the journey is, we still go,” said Abdul Karim, a construction worker travelling to Rangpur.

Amid the festive rush, allegations of ticket black marketing and excessive fare collection have surfaced once again. Several passengers complained that they had to pay higher fares due to increased demand. Transport operators, however, denied the allegations, claiming that regular procedures were being maintained.

Morning rain further intensified the challenges by slowing passenger movement and delaying bus departures. Many travelers were seen taking shelter under temporary sheds while trying to protect their belongings from the rain.

Authorities have tightened security and monitoring at major terminals to manage the crowd and ensure safe travel. Additional personnel have been deployed, while officials say efforts are underway to maintain order and prevent irregularities.

“We are maintaining strict monitoring to ensure smooth passenger movement and prevent any untoward incidents,” a transport authority official said.

Despite the difficulties, the emotional pull of home continues to outweigh the hardships of the journey. As buses gradually leave the terminals carrying thousands of passengers toward villages and towns across the country, the atmosphere remains filled with patience, hope and the anticipation of Eid reunions.

For many travelers, Eid is not only about reaching home — the celebration begins with the journey itself, regardless of how long or challenging the road may be.