As the Eid holidays come to a close, people have started making their way back to Dhaka from different southwestern districts via the Paturia ferry terminal since Saturday morning.
A large number of returnees were seen crowding the terminal at Shibalaya upazila in Manikganj to cross the river, reports UNB.
Passengers boarding ferries and launches reported a mostly hassle-free journey, though some complained about being overcharged by transport operators.
To address these issues, a mobile court operated by the local administration conducted drives at the terminal.
Zakir Hossain, Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) of Shibalaya, said that the court fined two launches Tk 26,000 for charging extra fares and two buses Tk 6,000 for carrying excess passengers.
Terminal authorities said 17 ferries and 20 launches have been deployed on the Paturia-Daulatdia river route to ensure smooth and safe travel for holidaymakers returning to the capital.
According to a joint pre-Eid observation by the National Committee to Protect Shipping, Roads and Railways (NCPSRR) and the Shipping and Communication Reporters Forum (SCRF), over 17 million (1.70 crore) people left the greater Dhaka ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr.
The government had earlier approved a nine-day holiday for its employees—from 28 March to 5 April—to facilitate Eid celebrations.
The homebound rush began on 26 March, with the country celebrating Eid-ul-Fitr, one of the most significant religious festivals for Muslims, on 31 March.
Bd-pratidin English/ Afia
