DHAKA, June 12 (Xinhua) -- Large numbers of people were seen at the counters of Central Kamalapur Railway Station and bus terminals in Bangladeshi capital Dhaka on Monday to secure tickets to go home during the upcoming Muslim religious festival Eid.
In a bid to ease the hassles of travelers of Eid-ul-Fitr, one of the biggest festivals in the country, authorities started the advance sale of tickets.
Shamoli Akter braved inclement weather to reach station and stay in long queue for hours.
"Since 4:00 a.m., I have been waiting in queue for getting ticket shortly after counter opens," Akter said.
"We will go to western Rajshahi district to celebrate Eid. I had to face lots of trouble to reach station as there is heavy downpour. I will be very happy if I get tickets."
Akter said her family goes to village home to celebrate Eid together as this time of the year her children's school remains closed.
"That's why we can easily leave Dhaka taking our children. For comfortable journey we need to ensure tickets in advance," she said.
College student Nishat came to collect four tickets to go to Western Nator district with family members on June 21.
"I am a student. I live in Dhaka's business district Motijheel. Wish you all advance greetings of the Eid festival."
Bangladesh Railway officials said special trains will be introduced on different routes with additional coaches to meet the increased demand of homebound passengers ahead of the Eid festival later this month.
Eid-ul-Fitr is a festival which is celebrated after the month of Ramadan. In Bangladesh, millions of people will go to their hometowns to celebrate the festival with their nearest and dearest.
Also on Monday, thousands of people descended on the main bus terminals in Dhaka to buy advance Eid tickets, sales of which officially kicked off in the city on Monday morning.
