Dhaka wears a deserted look amid Eid exodus

A rare calm has descended on the usually bustling capital as millions of residents left Dhaka to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr with their families.

The once-crowded streets, known for relentless traffic jam and noise, now wear a quieter look, offering a brief sense of relief and stillness during the festive holiday. UNB news.

The usually busy roads are nearly empty as millions leave Dhaka to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr with their families. Photo: UNB

Although there is no official survey on the exact number of people leaving the city, acting commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Mohammad Sarwar said more than 10 million people are expected to travel out of the the capital to celebrate Eid with their near and dear ones.

Authorities estimate that between March 16 and March 20, around 1.5 to 2 million people are leaving Dhaka each day.

Few vehicles and pedestrians are seen on the usually busy roads as millions leave Dhaka to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr with their families. Photo: UNB

The mass exodus began earlyTuesday with the start of a seven-day holiday, as government offices, courts and many private institutions closed for Eid. This annual migration has once again transformed the busy city into a calm and almost empty city.

The images capture a different side of Dhaka—wide roads with minimal traffic, quiet intersections and open public spaces—reflecting a temporary pause in the capital’s relentless pace of life.