With the 13th National Parliament Election and referendum ahead, the capital is in a state of rush to return home. Voters from all walks of life, including working people, students, and businessmen, are leaving Dhaka to exercise their right to vote. As a result, Gabtoli and Mohakhali bus terminals and Kamalapur railway station have been packed with people. For many, this journey around the election is as joyful as returning home for Eid.

The pressure of passengers at Kamalapur railway station started increasing since early morning on Tuesday (February 10). Hundreds of people gathered on the platform before the sun rose. Some were carrying large trolley bags, some were carrying backpacks on their shoulders, and some were standing in line holding children’s hands. As soon as the train announcement was made, the passengers’ busyness increased even more. Some were looking for seats, some were calling relatives, some were checking last-minute news from home on the phone. In an instant, the station area became noisy and lively.

Walking around the station, you can see many people walking in groups. Some are chatting with friends or colleagues. Others are quietly waiting for the train. But everyone’s faces are filled with the same excitement. Returning home after a long time, spending time with family, and the opportunity to exercise their voting rights have created a kind of festive atmosphere. However, many passengers were seen returning home by truck after not being able to catch a bus.

Rakib Hasan, who works at a private company in the capital, said, “I don’t go home more than once or twice a year. I want to vote in my own area. It feels like I’m going home for the Eid holidays.”

The same picture is not only at the railway station, but also at the bus terminals. Increased passenger pressure has been observed in Gabtoli and Mohakhali since morning. Long lines are seen at the long-distance bus counters to collect tickets. Although many people have booked tickets in advance, some are suffering from not getting tickets at the last minute.

Railway and bus sources said that initiatives have been taken to run additional trains and buses to cope with the passenger pressure. Special trains and additional coaches have been added on some routes. However, the interest in returning home around the elections is so high that the pressure cannot be completely reduced.

Meanwhile, the government has declared public holidays across the country on February 11 and 12 on the occasion of the elections. In addition, a special holiday has been given on February 10 for workers and employees of industrial areas. The notification said that this holiday will be effective in government, semi-government, autonomous and private offices, institutions and educational institutions to ensure smooth exercise of voting rights and voting.

All in all, the terminals in the capital are now not just a means of transportation, but a gathering place. This trend of returning to roots for the sake of voting shows how lively people’s interest and participation are around the elections.