As government and private offices reopened on Monday following the Eid-ul-Azha holidays, a growing number of people began returning to the capital on Sunday ahead of the first working day.

Although the flow of passengers arriving in Dhaka by bus, train and private vehicles increased from different districts, no major traffic congestion was reported on highways or at the city’s entry points.

A moderate presence of inbound passengers was observed at Kamalapur Railway Station, Jatrabari, Gabtoli and Sayedabad throughout the day.

Some Trains Arrive Late

From early morning, trains from various parts of the country arrived one after another at Kamalapur Railway Station. Several trains from northern Bangladesh reached Dhaka between 30 minutes and one hour behind schedule.

The Rangpur Express arrived nearly an hour late, while the Nilsagar Express, Kurigram Express and Panchagarh Express entered Dhaka around 30 minutes behind schedule.

Passengers also complained that several trains from Netrokona, Jamalpur and Mymensingh arrived about half an hour later than their scheduled times.

Abdur Rahman, who returned to Dhaka with his family from Mohanganj in Netrokona, said, “We never feel like leaving home, but we have to return for work. Our family depends on this job for survival.”

Businessman Shahadat Hossain, who travelled from Sylhet on the Jayantika Express, said, “I had to return due to urgent work. The journey was largely hassle-free, and the train was not overcrowded.”

According to railway sources, a total of 66 trains carrying passengers arrived in Dhaka on Sunday, including 43 intercity trains, 23 local, mail and commuter services.

Dhaka Railway Station Master Anwar Hossain said, “People are returning to the capital, though many have not yet brought their families back. Some trains from the northern region, including the Rangpur Express, were delayed by 30 minutes to an hour, but no major problems were reported.”

Meanwhile, despite an increase in the number of people entering Dhaka through major gateways such as the Airport Road corridor, traffic pressure remained manageable. The movement of public transport and private vehicles increased in Jatrabari, Gabtoli and Sayedabad.

Police and transport officials said many garment workers and employees of private companies have yet to return to the capital. The pressure is expected to increase over the next couple of days, but authorities say they are prepared to manage the situation.

Subrata Kumar Debnath, Deputy Director (Engineering) of the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) and the official overseeing the Mohakhali Bus Terminal area, said, “Traffic movement remains normal. However, vehicle numbers increased as the day progressed. BRTA is conducting awareness activities on speed control and preventing buses from stopping at unauthorized locations.”