The streets of Dhaka, notorious for their relentless traffic congestion, have taken on an uncharacteristic stillness during the Eid-ul-Fitr holidays, offering residents a rare glimpse of a quieter, more tranquil city.
On Tuesday, the second day of Eid, the capital’s usual cacophony was absent. Major roads were free of traffic jams, and the familiar blare of horns had faded. As the morning progressed, vehicle numbers slowly increased, but the city's tempo remained far slower than usual. In the lazy afternoon, sunlight danced on nearly empty streets, as a light breeze swept through the capital.
With many residents having left for their hometowns, those who remained in Dhaka took advantage of the unusually open roads. Families flocked to popular entertainment spots such as the National Museum, Mirpur Zoo, National Botanical Garden, and various parks. Temporary Eid fairs, including one organized by the North City Corporation at the China Friendship Conference Center, attracted crowds. Restaurants and cinemas also saw increased footfall as people sought festive outings.
Razia Sultana, a working woman who stayed in Dhaka due to job commitments, described the rare respite as a welcome relief. "The usual traffic is so overwhelming that I often wish I could escape the city. But during Eid, Dhaka feels peaceful. If it were always like this, life would be much easier," she said.
A university student said that during Eid, there is a great opportunity to roam around the empty streets of Dhaka. Yesterday, after the Eid prayers, I enjoyed the whole city by bike with my friends. I really liked it.
This year, government employees are enjoying an extended nine-day holiday, with offices set to reopen on April 6. Until then, Dhaka is expected to remain relatively empty, though some private businesses will resume operations earlier.
Bd-pratidin English/Tanvir Raihan
