Bus shortage on Tangail highway causes Eid travel woes, extra fare

Thousands of travelers heading home along the Dhaka–Tangail–Jamuna Bridge highway faced severe transport shortages on the eve of Eid, with many forced to wait hours for buses or take alternative, often unsafe, vehicles.

On Friday, commuters were seen standing at Rabna and Elenga bus stands, some alone, others with families, hoping to secure transport home. Many, unable to find buses, resorted to traveling in open trucks or pickup vans, risking safety.

Passengers reported fare hikes amid the scarcity.

Nilphamari resident Mizanur Rahman said he works in Tangail and waited over 90 minutes without getting a bus.

Bogura-bound Akkas Ali said buses that were available demanded double the usual fare—Tk 800 instead of Tk 400–500—and required standing for the journey.

Rangpur-bound Hasna Begum described boarding a pickup van after waiting in the sun, warning that rains could further worsen conditions for low-income travelers.

Meanwhile, Elenga Highway Police officer Sharif claimed traffic was relatively smooth and dismissed reports of severe congestion, stating that travelers from northern districts were returning home comfortably ahead of Eid.