The government has declared a general holiday for all educational institutions, including government, semi-government, autonomous and private offices, on Wednesday and Thursday in view of the 13th National Parliament Election and referendum. With the election holiday, the long-familiar hustle and bustle, traffic jams and noise suddenly seem to be largely silent. Millions of voters living in the capital are rushing to their respective constituencies to cast their votes. This has had a direct impact on public life in the capital. Dhaka is now much emptier than before.

The main reason behind the empty seats in Dhaka is that after the 2024 mass uprising, people feel that this is the first time they have regained their voting rights and can vote for the candidate of their choice. As a result, voters are rushing to vote. A large portion of the people living in the capital are voters of their own district. Even though they are in Dhaka for job, business, education and livelihood needs, they have to go to their own constituency to vote. As the elections approach, a large portion of these people are leaving the capital.

Especially garment workers, employees of private organizations, small businessmen and low-income people are leaving Dhaka early so that they can vote without any problems. In the last few days, there has been pressure on long-distance transport to go to their respective areas. The crowds at the terminals were noticeable. Thousands of people are leaving Dhaka every day at Sadarghat, Kamalapur railway station, Gabtoli and Sayedabad bus terminals.

The most visible impact of voters leaving Dhaka has been on the roads of the capital. Where traffic jams were a daily companion, traffic is now relatively normal. As the pressure of vehicles on important roads and intersections has reduced, city dwellers are moving with some relief. Many city dwellers living in the capital say that Dhaka will take on a different look once the elections come. Less traffic jams, less noise pollution, and ease of movement – this picture is temporary but comforting for many.

After visiting several areas of the capital, including Bijoy Smroni, Farmgate, Mohakhali, Dhanmondi, and Gulistan, it was observed that there was no traffic jam on the roads. Except for one or two traffic signals, there was no heavy traffic anywhere. The city residents claim that such a traffic jam-free city is not seen except during Eid.

Dhanmondi resident Sazia Rahman said, “The area has been almost deserted since the beginning of this week. Not many cars have been seen on the road since yesterday. There is almost no traffic jam. Dhaka has become empty like the entire Eid holiday. Basically, those who live in Dhaka for jobs have gone from Dhaka to their village homes in the election fever, so Dhaka has become completely empty.”

Tasir Ahmed, a resident of Mohammadpur, said, “We see Dhaka free of traffic jams during the Eid holidays. In the excitement of voting, those who used to live in the capital have gone to the villages to vote. As a result, the usual traffic jams are not seen on the roads of Dhaka. The roads are very empty.”

Zahurul Islam, a resident of Mirpur 11 area, said, “I have never seen Dhaka so deserted before the election. It seems that people have taken a long vacation or Eid vacation. Many houses are almost empty. After a long time, people do not want to miss the opportunity to vote. As a result, everyone has rushed to their respective constituencies to share the joy like Eid.”

Transportation officials say that people have started returning to their areas ahead of the elections. The pressure of passengers has increased slightly since Saturday evening. Most people are leaving for their areas with their families. As a result, there is no crowd on public transport.

Savar Paribahan staff member Sohel said that although they regularly operate public transport services from Savar to Jatrabari, there has been a passenger crisis since yesterday. He said, “Most of the passengers have gone to the villages due to the elections, so there are very few passengers on the bus.”

The same picture has been seen on the Mohammadpur-Sayedabad route. Bus stand workers said that although vehicles are running, there are hardly any passengers. In addition, there is not much rush of passengers in public transport running on various routes in the capital. Public transport workers operating in the city say that there have not been many passengers in our vehicles for the last three-four days. There are not many passengers as many people have gone home to vote.