The busy capital is yet to regain its usual state, as city dwellers are still returning after five days of Eid-ul-Fitr vacation. All offices -- including government, semi-government and private ones, banks and other financial institutions -- reopened on Sunday (Jun 9) after the holidays. Festive mood was prevailing at most offices.
Most shopping malls, business centres, schools, colleges and universities, however, were not open and will take a few days to resume operations.
For some, the vacation extended to nine days, as many holidaymakers took leave for two days -- Jun 2 and 3 -- leading up to the official Eid holidays starting from Jun 4.
This year, officials enjoyed a five-day vacation, as weekly holiday (Friday and Saturday) was added to the three days of Eid. Many have taken additional leave to spend more time with their families.
Attendance at the Secretariat, the administrative hub of the country, was thin as many officers and employees did not turn up. Those who showed up at work were seen exchanging pleasantries and Eid greetings with colleagues.
Operations at government offices surely will resume in full swing within the next few days. The atmosphere at Finance Ministry, Economic Relations Division and other related departments, however, is different as staff of those offices are busy in budget-related activities.
The regular schedule of office resumed on Sunday after being curtailed for the month of Ramadan.
Dhaka’s commercial hub Motijheel, kitchen market in Karwan Bazar, and entry point Jatrabari were not buzzing with people and commuters as seen on regular work days.
Traffic at the otherwise busy intersections including Motijhil, Gulistan, Farmgate, Shahbagh, Mohakhali, and Mirpur was also sparse Sunday. City dwellers who did not leave the capital still enjoying a Dhaka free of traffic congestion, noise and crowds.
Amusement parks in the city are still packed with visitors as people with their family members went there to have a good time. People also thronged movie theatres to enjoy Eid releases on the big screen.
Dhaka-bound buses, trains and launches were overloaded with people returning to the capital after celebrating Eid back in their home districts. The journey of holidaymakers was somewhat hassle-free compared to the recent past as there were fewer gridlocks and sufferings on the highways.
