Severe traffic congestion was reported on February 10, 2026, at the Aricha and Paturia ferry terminals in Manikganj as large crowds of people began traveling home to participate in the upcoming election festival. The rush followed a four-day government holiday, prompting thousands to leave Dhaka for northern and southern regions. Authorities struggled to manage the surge of passengers and vehicles, with long queues forming for ferries and launches.

Passengers described waiting for hours to cross the river, with many expressing both excitement about voting and frustration over increased transport fares. Some travelers complained about the absence of visible law enforcement and alleged that transport owners had formed syndicates to raise fares. Ferry and launch operators acknowledged the sudden rise in passengers but assured that the situation would normalize soon. BIWTC officials said the congestion was temporary and expected to ease within the day.

The festive atmosphere at the terminals resembled that of major holidays, reflecting strong public enthusiasm for participating in the national vote despite travel difficulties.