Staff Reporter :
Streets of the capital city Dhaka has become deserted as city dwellers leaving the city to enjoy a 5-day Eid holiday which begin on Wednesday.
Many people have already left the capital on Tuesday just after Johr prayers on Tuesday as a result no unbearable traffic jams were seen on Wednesday.
Streets of Dhaka, one of the most populous cities in the world, virtually turned into a deserted city as no gathering were on the streets across the city on Wednesday.
Most of those who are still outside on these empty roads are on their way to their villages to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr.
During a field visit, it was seen that many places including Shahbagh, Purana Paltan, Asad Gate, Shyamoly, Elephant Road, Motijheel, Mirpur, Kalyanpur, Farmgate, Karwan Bazar, and Banglamotor in the capital on Wednesday.
However, there was some traffic congestion in the exit points of the capital in the afternoon. Emdad, a rickshaw driver, told this correspondent that there are no traffic jams today. But I am not earning much today as there are very few people on the streets, he said adding that he earned only Tk200 till noon since morning.
Md Alamgir Hossain, another rickshaw driver, said he has received Tk300 as fares since morning. On other days he earns more than Tk500.
Sohel, a bike rider said that there are fewer passengers than other times. He earned around Tk500 on Wednesday but he generally earns Tk1,200 by afternoon.
CNG driver Kholil said, “I have received Tk750 in fares since morning. Other times it used to be Tk1,000-1,200. But it was pleasant to drive on the road today. There is no traffic jam at all.”
Solaiman Hossain, a regular bus passenger wants to go to Press Club from Mirpur-01. He had to wait for a bus for about 20 minutes because the number of vehicles is fewer on the streets than other days.
He said that the road is completely empty now and the overall environment of the city looks good and healthy compare to previous day