Ahead of Bangladesh’s 13th parliamentary election and national referendum, a four-day public holiday has prompted a massive exodus from Dhaka and industrial areas. Since Tuesday morning, heavy traffic congestion has been reported at Paturia and Aricha ferry terminals, as well as along the Dhaka–Tangail highway, where a 32-kilometer tailback has caused severe delays. Authorities are struggling to manage the surge in passengers and vehicles, with scenes reminiscent of the Eid travel rush.

Local correspondents report that many factories have declared three consecutive days off, allowing workers to return to their hometowns to vote and visit families. The sudden increase in travelers has led to overcrowded ferries and buses, with some transport operators accused of charging inflated fares. Passengers expressed frustration over the high costs and long waits, while police confirmed that additional forces have been deployed to ease congestion and prevent passenger harassment.

Officials from the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation and transport owners expressed optimism that the situation would normalize later in the day as traffic flow improves.