Eid journey expected to be smoother

The Eid-ul-Fitr is nearing, and Dhaka dwellers are planning to leave the city and head home for the holiday. Eid-ul-Fitr is a time of joy and celebration for Muslims all over the world, including Bangladesh. It marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan and is a time for family gatherings, feasts, and gift-giving.

The Eid journey in Bangladesh is an annual event where millions of people travel to their hometowns and villages to celebrate the occasion with their loved ones. However, this journey can be a challenging and uncomfortable experience for many.

Train and private bus operators have started selling advance tickets for Eid-ul-Fitr from yesterday. Bangladesh Railway has announced to sell all tickets online while private bus operators will sell tickets both online and at counters in Gabtoli and adjacent areas.

Train tickets for April 17 was sold yesterday while tickets for April 18, 19, 20 and 21 will be sold on April 8, 9, 10 and 11. For the first time in its history, Bangladesh Railway will sell all advance Eid tickets through online this year. It sold half of its 104 intercity trains online and the rest at counters until April 1. Now, there is no quota for online or counters. Tickets of all mail, commuter and local trains, however, are being sold at the counters.

We appreciate the decision to digitalise the ticketing process. It has eased the sufferings of home-bound peoples standing for hours in queues to get the tickets. Literally they can now book their tickets from the comfort of their homes.

One of the biggest issues during the Eid journey is the overcrowding of public transportation. Millions of people travel by bus, train, and ferry to reach their destinations, leading to long queues, delays, and overcrowding. This can be a particularly difficult experience for women, children, and the elderly, who may be more vulnerable to discomfort and safety concerns.

The government and transportation authorities need to ensure that there are enough buses, trains, and ferries to meet the demand during Eid. Moreover, safety measures such as checking for overloaded vehicles and regular maintenance of the vehicles should be in place to avoid any accidents or breakdowns.

According to transport authorities, a whopping 15 lakh people were travelled to various destinations during Eid holiday in 2022. This year, it is expected that more people will leave Dhaka smoothly due to some significant improvements in transport infrastructure.

Another issue during the Eid journey is the lack of proper rest areas and facilities. Many travellers may have to wait for long hours in bus stations or train stations before they can continue their journey. The lack of proper sanitation facilities, seating arrangements, and clean drinking water can make this experience even more challenging. To address this issue, the government and relevant authorities can set up temporary rest areas with adequate seating, clean restrooms, and provisions for food and water. This will not only make the journey more comfortable but also ensure the health and safety of the travellers.

Security concerns are also a major issue during the Eid journey in Bangladesh. The large crowds and gatherings can pose a risk of theft, harassment, and other criminal activities. The authorities need to ensure that there are adequate security measures in place to prevent such incidents. This could include increasing the number of security personnel at bus stations, train stations, and ferry terminals, installing CCTV cameras and metal detectors, and conducting regular patrols. The authorities should also educate travellers on safety measures and precautions to take during the journey.