After the extended Eid-ul-Fitr holidays, Dhaka has visibly returned to its familiar, energetic rhythm. The city’s streets, which had remained unusually quiet over the past week, are once again crowded with both pedestrians and vehicles. The reopening of offices, courts, and educational institutions has restored Dhaka’s characteristic vibrancy.
From early Sunday morning (29 March), major thoroughfares including Mohakhali, Gulshan, Agargaon, Kallyanpur, and North Badda have experienced significant traffic congestion. Shops and markets, which largely remained dormant during the holiday period, are gradually resuming their normal operations.
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Impact of the Eid Holidays
The government had declared a seven-day public holiday starting the Tuesday before Eid. During this period, Dhaka’s streets were nearly deserted, creating an uncharacteristic calm in the bustling capital. With offices and institutions reopening after the holiday, today marks the full return of the city’s daily activity.
Voices from the Streets
Monsur Ali, a ride-sharing driver based in Mohakhali, said:
“I started work on the second day of Eid, but passenger numbers were minimal. This morning, there is a large crowd, and traffic jams have returned. After a week of quiet, the city feels alive again.”
Habibur Mia, driver of the Baishakhi bus route from Savar, reported:
“Since early morning, every stop has passengers. The reopening of offices and courts has increased both vehicle volume and foot traffic. Traffic congestion and signals are back to their usual levels.”
Office worker Sujan Ahmed added:
“Commuting was very easy during the holiday as roads were empty. Today, with increased movement, Dhaka has regained its usual busy character.”
Morning Snapshot: Key Areas
The following table summarises traffic, crowd density, and commercial activity between 8:00 am and 11:00 am across major Dhaka locations:
| Area | Traffic Congestion | Crowd Density | Shops Opened |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mohakhali | Heavy | High | 90% |
| Gulshan | Moderate | Medium | 85% |
| Agargaon | Moderate | High | 80% |
| Kallyanpur | Heavy | High | 90% |
| North Badda | Moderate | High | 80% |
Returning to Routine
The city’s return to its usual pace highlights the importance of the Eid break in temporarily slowing urban activity. With offices, educational institutions, markets, and courts now fully operational, Dhaka’s streets are once again animated by the usual mix of commuters, vehicles, and shoppers. Residents are adjusting to the restored rhythm, marking the end of a peaceful holiday period and the resumption of normal city life.