On Monday, the final working day before the Eid-ul-Fitr holidays, Dhaka’s Kamalapur Railway Station experienced a marked surge in homebound passengers compared with the preceding two days. Thousands hurried to catch their trains, eager to reach family gatherings ahead of the festival.
A midday visit to the station revealed crowded platforms teeming with travellers. Passengers carried luggage, and many were accompanied by young children, painting a vivid picture of pre-holiday travel rush. Some waited seated, others stood, all anticipating the arrival or departure of their trains. Announcements over the public address system prompted bursts of activity, with people quickly moving to designated platforms. Families juggled luggage while attempting to secure positions in queues, and as trains arrived, a rush ensued.
At Platform 6, bank officer Ayatullah explained, “Today was my last office day. I left early to return home. I had sent my children ahead since their schools are already on holiday.” On the same platform, private-sector employee Al-Amin added, “Our office remains open, but I’ve taken leave to spend Eid with my family. We work all year, so this time is solely for our loved ones.”
The demand for standing tickets notably increased on the last working day compared with the previous three days. Passengers boarding the Silk City Express to Rajshahi from Platform 7 faced considerable difficulties due to the crowd. One passenger remarked, “Everyone wants to reach home, but as ticket holders, we should be allowed to board without hassle.”
Some travellers arrived early anticipating heavy traffic on city roads. Sayed Abdullah, a private university student heading home to Mohammadpur, explained, “I knew the roads would be congested today, so I came to the station early.”
The following table illustrates passenger trends over the last three days at Kamalapur:
| Day | Standing Ticket Passengers | Reserved Passengers | Number of Trains | Key Destinations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday | 2,800 | 10,000 | 12 | Rajshahi, Chittagong, Sylhet |
| Sunday | 3,200 | 12,500 | 15 | Khulna, Barisal, Jessore |
| Monday (Last Working Day) | 4,500 | 14,000 | 18 | Rajshahi, Chittagong, Sylhet |
Station authorities confirmed that extra staff and security personnel were deployed to manage the increased passenger load. Special arrangements were made to streamline boarding and maintain order on the crowded platforms.
The bustling scene at Kamalapur reflects the anticipation and excitement of Eid, as office workers and students alike take to the rails in large numbers to reunite with their families, marking the start of the festive season with both eagerness and urgency.