Lessen woes of home-goers during upcoming Eid
Lessen woes of home-goers during upcoming Eid
Published: Tuesday, 19 March, 2024 at 12:00 AM Count: 1125
Eid, a time for celebration, family reunions, and sweet treats. And for many Bangladeshis, the journey home for Eid turns into an annual suffering.
The image of crammed buses, bumper-to-bumper traffic on highways, and overflowing ferry terminals is a normal picture of the Eid journey. Millions embark on journeys, and Dhaka experiences a mass migration since a major population in Dhaka has migrated from other districts. According to a UNDP report, slum dwellers account for more than 33% of the population living in Dhaka.
The Bangladesh Population and Housing Census 2011 (BBS 2012) reported that 9.71% of the population of Bangladesh internally migrated in their lifetime and 53.1% of the total internal migration was urban-urban or rural-urban. Working as a rickshaw puller is the most popular employment choice for migrants in Dhaka.
Another research paper cites studies suggesting that rural-urban migration rates around 90% of total internal migration in Bangladesh, with Dhaka being a major destination for its work opportunities.
And during Eid days the majority of the population from Dhaka rush into their hometowns to spend Eid with their loved ones.
The trouble starts with booking tickets. Online booking systems crash under the pressure of high demand. Long lines push outside the bus terminals, battling the heat with the constant fear of not getting a ticket. For those who manage to secure tickets, the trouble continues. Waiting for buses or trains becomes an endurance test. Overcrowded terminals offer little break, with limited seating and inadequate sanitation facilities.
Alongside, bus fares see a dramatic rise during Eid, exceeding normal rates by a significant margin. Making it tough for households living below the national poverty line which is nearly5.6%according to the latest Household Income and Expenditure Survey (HIES) conducted by BBS in 2022.
The most common reality of the Eid journey is the heavy traffic with scorching summer heat and crammed buses. Journeys that usually take a few hours can sometimes turn into day-long sufferings. The surge in traffic during Eid increases the risk of road accidents.
In 2022, around 400 people died in accidents across the country during the Eid-ul-Fitr journey, according to two platforms working for commuter rights. Road Safety Foundation said at least 376 people were dead and 1,500 injured in 283 accidents in Bangladesh in 14 days (April 25-May 8) during Eid journey 2022. Among the deceased, 38 were women and 51 children. A total of 156 people died in 128 motorcycle accidents, which is 41.48 percent of the total fatalities, the foundation said. 54 pedestrians were killed in accidents. Besides, 49 drivers and helpers of vehicles were dead in accidents during the Eid journey.
Speeding, lack of proper road markings, lights and road signs, the lack of turning signs, construction errors, unfit vehicles, disregard for traffic laws, and bribes were some of the major causes of accidents.
Sadly, it doesn end here. Eid travel also comes with a risk of theft and robbery. Crowded bus terminals and train stations make it easier for pickpockets to operate.
The government needs to invest in expanding and improving public transport infrastructure to accommodate the surge in travelers. Adding more buses and train routes for the mass people.
Stricter regulations are needed to prevent the sudden hike in bus fares during Eid. Fair pricing ensures everyone can afford to travel home and celebrate with their families. Restricting the black-market tickets and punishing everyone who charges more. If there are enough tickets available for everyone, there is less need for people to turn to the black market. The government and transportation companies can work on increasing the number of tickets available during peak seasons like Eid. Upgrading online booking systems to handle peak demand can significantly reduce the stress and uncertainty associated with securing tickets.
The online booking system should be user-friendly, with clear steps and easy navigation. Offering different payment options to make booking tickets convenient for everyone. Upgrading waiting areas at bus terminals and ferry ghats with proper seating, sanitation, and amenities can make the waiting experience less unpleasant. Adding enough benches or chairs for everyone with clean and well-maintained bathrooms.
While the government plays a crucial role, we as the citizens, can also contribute. Planning travel well in advance, opting for alternative modes of transportation when possible, and practicing patience can ease the overall burden. Eid is a time for joy, not a test of endurance. We all should work together to make homecoming journeys smoother, and stress-free Eid for all Bangladeshis.