Homebound travelers are leaving Dhaka as a continuous five-day holiday begins, combining Durga Puja and the weekend.

Since Tuesday (October 20) morning, massive crowds of passengers have been observed at bus terminals in Jatrabari, Sayedabad, Dhaolakhal, and surrounding areas.

Passenger pressure has also surged across bus counters, railway stations, and launch terminals centering on the break.

According to transport owners and workers, pedestrian movement and passenger arrivals increased significantly around the Sayedabad bus terminal and adjacent areas since morning.

However, passengers complained that some transport operators are taking advantage of the heavy rush by charging fares higher than the officially set rates.

The consecutive five-day holiday for government officials and employees commenced on Tuesday (October 20) and will continue until October 24.

Banks, financial institutions, the stock market, and courts also remain closed during this period.

The holidays for Durga Puja were originally scheduled for Maha Navami on October 20 and Bijoya Dashami on October 21.

An executive order declaring Thursday, October 22, as a holiday created the opportunity for a five-day break.

Following that, the weekend holidays on Friday and Thursday—October 23 and 24—further extended the vacation period.

Earlier, government offices remained open on Saturday, October 17, as a regular working day.

Relevant sources indicate that taking advantage of the extended break, many residents are leaving the capital to celebrate the festival with their families and enjoy some leisure time, leading to heightened passenger traffic across various transport hubs in Dhaka.