The usually bustling capital now feels like a sleeping child. The city, which is usually filled with mechanical noise and chaos, is now eerily silent. No honking, no traffic congestion, and no rush of pedestrians—just a peaceful, empty landscape. Such a scene is rarely witnessed throughout the year, except during Eid holidays, making it an unusual yet pleasant experience for many.
On Tuesday (April 1), various areas of the capital, including Shyamoli, Asad Gate, College Gate, Aarong, Farmgate, Karwan Bazar, Banglamotor, Moghbazar, Shahbagh, and Matsya Bhaban, were observed to have significantly reduced traffic. While the number of vehicles had slightly increased compared to the early morning, there was no major rush of passengers. Most people on the roads were either visiting relatives or heading to entertainment spots. Instead of buses, many opted for rickshaws, battery-powered rickshaws, CNG auto-rickshaws, private cars, or motorcycles, leaving bus staff struggling to find passengers.
Meanwhile, some passengers have complained about being charged extra fares under the guise of Eid bonuses. Transport workers, however, blame the lack of passengers for this.
"There are barely any passengers on the roads. We still need to take our vehicles out because we have daily expenses to cover. After paying for fuel and other costs, we need to make enough to earn our wages. Otherwise, how will we survive?" said one transport worker.
He further explained, "We're roaming around with almost empty vehicles, struggling to get passengers. But we are not forcing anyone to pay extra—whatever people give as an Eid bonus, we simply accept."
Al-Amin, who was traveling from Savar with his wife and child to visit his brother in Mohammadpur, shared his experience:
"I didn’t face any traffic at all. The bus ride was smooth, and there were plenty of empty seats. It felt quite different from the usual crowded Dhaka."
Regarding the increased fare, he said, "Yes, they asked me for 10 taka extra as an Eid bonus. But considering they don’t usually ask for this throughout the year, I didn’t mind."
Raihan Rahman, traveling from Pallabi to Karwan Bazar, also enjoyed the traffic-free roads.
"There was no congestion anywhere. Although buses were stopping frequently to pick up passengers, it wasn’t frustrating at all. The atmosphere of an empty Dhaka is something special. If only it could always be like this!" he said.
However, rickshaw pullers had a different perspective, as fewer people on the streets meant reduced earnings.
"There are fewer passengers, so our income has dropped. It’s difficult to manage, but we still have to come out and work. Some passengers are willingly giving Eid bonuses, while others refuse," said a rickshaw puller.
Traffic police officers stationed at various points confirmed that they were facing significantly less pressure due to the reduced number of vehicles on the roads.
Notably, this year, government employees are enjoying an extended nine-day holiday, with offices set to reopen on April 6. Until then, the capital is expected to remain relatively empty, offering a rare but welcome break from its usual congestion.
