RAB assures safe Eid journey for homebound people

Commander Arafat Islam, director of the Rapid Action Battalion’s Legal and Media Wing, said security has been tightened across Bangladesh ahead of the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha.

"RAB is working to make the Eid journey safe for the people, especially at the railway stations, bus terminals, and ferry terminals. Various initiatives have been taken in this regard,” he said at a press briefing at Kamalapur Railway Station in Dhaka on Thursday.

He added that the RAB is actively combating the sale of tickets in black markets. 

"If we receive any complaint, we take immediate action. Hopefully, there will be no irregularity or suffering in the Eid journey this year. Different types of watch towers and support centers have been opened in the bus terminals as per the requirement,” Commander Arafat Islam said.

Wednesday, the first day of Eid trips with tickets bought in advance, was uncomfortable for passengers as trains failed to arrive at Kamalapur Railway Station on time and departed late.

Passengers had to endure long waits at the station in intense heat. 

Many expressed their frustration, while others accepted the delays as a common occurrence during Eid travel.

The first train of the day from Kamalapur Railway Station, the Rajshahi-bound Dhumketu Express, was scheduled to depart at 6am but actually left the station at 7:20am. 

The second train, Parjatak Express, was supposed to leave the station at 6:15am but was delayed by 35 minutes.

Eid-ul-Azha, the second-largest religious festival of the Muslims, will be celebrated in the country on June 17.