As government offices and institutions will resume on Sunday following the nine-day Eid holiday, commuters from 21 southwestern districts are flocking back to Dhaka. 

Since Friday, the return journey has sparked a sharp rise in passenger and transport traffic, especially along the Dhaka-Bhanga Expressway.

From Saturday morning (April 5), a notable surge in long-distance transport pressure on the expressway has been observed, with passengers seen waiting for rides at various stops. 

Local buses plying the Bhanga-Dhaka and Shibchar-Dhaka routes have also faced significant congestion. 

The presence of three-wheelers such as easy bikes, vans, and CNG vehicles has compounded the traffic buildup, as passengers board and disembark at highway shelters.

Witnesses on the expressway reported heavy vehicle movement towards Dhaka, with a mix of buses, private cars, microbuses, and motorcycles contributing to the congestion. 

The approximately 95 km stretch from Bhanga in Faridpur to Dhaka’s Jatrabari, which includes the Padma Bridge, has been particularly affected by traffic jams, especially near Tekerhat, Boraitala in Madaripur, and Bhanga in Faridpur. 

A delay at the Jajira toll plaza has further intensified the situation, although transport officials noted there were no significant disruptions on the highway.

Local buses traveling from Bhanga to Dhaka, including Prachath, Swadhin, and Hilsa, are experiencing delays as passengers crowd onto vehicles at various stops along the way. This has led to severe congestion, especially at bus shelters.

Yasmin Akhter, a Dhaka-bound passenger, shared her frustration: “I’ve been standing at the shelter for half an hour, and the bus is so crowded that there are no empty seats.” 

Another traveler, Mosharraf Hossain, added, “The buses from Bhanga are packed, with many people standing.”

The Shibchar Highway Police Station has reported increased traffic since the holiday rush began. Additional patrols are on duty, with enforcement efforts to curb speeding. Police teams are stationed at key points along the route to manage congestion and ensure smooth traffic flow.

Officer-in-Charge of Shibchar Highway Police Station, Zahirul Islam, confirmed the heightened traffic situation: “We are on high alert, with officers stationed at various locations along the highway, working around the clock to manage the situation.”

BDST: 1117 HRS, APR 05, 2025
SMS