Returning Commuters Inundate Dhaka Terminals as Holidays Conclude

A continuous flow of passengers from across the country converged on Dhaka on Sunday, 31 May 2026, as public, private, and financial sector offices prepared to resume full operations on Monday, 1 June 2026. Despite the substantial increase in long-distance buses, trains, and private motor vehicles heading towards the capital, traffic flow along primary national highways and city entry points remained disciplined and free from major congestion. Moderate passenger crowds were documented at major transit hubs including the Kamalapur Railway Station, Jatrabari, Gabtoli, and Sayedabad.

Train Schedule Inconsistencies and Railway Statistics

While train operations remained steady throughout Sunday morning, several inbound services from the northern and central regions encountered operational disruptions, leading to delays of up to an hour.

According to passengers and railway officials, the Rongpur Express operated approximately one hour behind its scheduled arrival time. Furthermore, the Nilsagar Express, Kurigram Express, and Panchagarh Express all crossed into the capital with delays of roughly 30 minutes. Commuters arriving from Netrakona, Jamalpur, and Mymensingh similarly voiced frustrations regarding 30-minute delays to their respective services.

Passenger Accounts and Official Responses

Despite the delays, the overall consensus among travelers was that the transit remained manageable. Abdur Rahman, who relocated his family back to Dhaka from Mohanganj in Netrakona, stated that returning was an economic necessity, as his employment income remains the sole support for his household. Shahadat Hossain, a corporate businessman returning from Sylhet via the Jayontika Express, reported a relatively peaceful journey, noting that passenger volumes within the coaches were not excessive.

Data from the Bangladesh Railway management indicated a total of 66 trains arrived in Dhaka on Sunday to facilitate the holiday return rush.

Inbound Train Traffic Breakdown

Anwar Hossain, the Station Master of Dhaka Railway Station, confirmed that while passenger numbers were steadily rising, a notable percentage of workers were choosing to return alone, leaving their families behind in their home villages. He clarified that the delays encountered by the northern services did not compromise the overarching station operations.

Highway Traffic Status and Regulation Campaigns

On the road networks, traffic volumes intensified along key entry corridors such as the Dhaka Airport Road, Jatrabari, Gabtoli, and Sayedabad, yet vehicular movement remained fluid.

Highway police and transport sector representatives observed that the full pressure of returning workers had not yet peaked, as a large majority of readymade garment (RMG) factory personnel and private sector employees are expected to return over the next two days.

Subrata Kumar Devnath, the Deputy Director (Engineering) of the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) overseen at the Mohakhali Bus Terminal, confirmed that overall vehicular flow remained completely normal despite the rising number of vehicles. He stated that the BRTA has deployed specialized units to execute safety campaigns, focusing strictly on speed enforcement and penalizing public bus drivers who pick up or drop off passengers outside designated terminal stops.