GAURIPUR, M'SINGH, Mar 31: After the long holidays of Eid-ul-Fitr and Independence Day, a tidal wave of homebound workers is now surging back to Dhaka. Every train bound for the capital-including the Mohanganj Express, Balaka Commuter, and Mahua Commuter-was crammed to the brim, leaving no space to breathe.
Passengers were seen occupying prayer rooms, engine compartments, and even the hazardous power cars. Some risked their lives by clinging to the joints between two coaches.
Mumtahina Ferdousi, a Jahangirnagar University student travelling on the Mohanganj Express, voiced her frustration: "The government says trains run at a loss. But tickets are impossible to get, seats are unavailable, and even after buying tickets we're forced to stand."
On Sunday, the Mahua and Balaka Commuter trains also witnessed overwhelming crowds, with passengers spilling out of every corner.
Ayesha Akter, 40, from Mukhuria Village in Achintapur Union, Gauripur shared, "I came home with my husband and children for Eid. The fares were double. Now, there are no tickets at all. The government talks of development, but the poor see none of it."
Echoing her sentiment, Abdus Samad added, "Climbing onto the roof is dangerous, but what choice do we have? Life must go on. With no space inside, we risk our lives on top of the train."
