Staff Reporter :
People are returning to the capital Dhaka after a continuous nine-day holiday for the Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations, as the holiday period comes to an end.
The official holiday, which began on March 28, was extended to April 5 through a series of executive orders, allowing government employees a long break to celebrate the holiday with family. As a result, roads, railways, and airports saw a significant increase in the number of travelers heading back to Dhaka on Saturday.
The Eid-ul-Fitr holiday extended over nine consecutive days, beginning with the regular weekly holidays of March 28-29, followed by public holidays on March 30 to April 2, and an additional holiday on April 3, as declared by the Ministry of Public Administration. The holiday period included the official celebration of Eid on March 31, with people across the country marking the end of Ramadan.
The extended break provided much-needed time for workers and their families to reconnect, but as the holiday comes to a close, many are heading back to Dhaka to resume their work and daily routines.
Traffic congestion on highways and at bus terminals was reported as commuters made their way back, with some buses and trains heavily booked. Despite the rush, many travelers expressed satisfaction with the extended break, calling it a much-needed time to relax and reconnect with loved ones.
Government offices are set to reopen on Sunday, April 6, following the extended break, and workers are expected to return to their regular duties after the nine-day holiday.