Exodus from Dhaka as thousands head for home to celebrate Eid

Описание: (18 Aug 2012) STORYLINE:
Hundreds of Muslims tried to board crowded trains at Dhaka's railway station on Saturday, in the hope of reaching their village homes to celebrate the festival of Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.
Dhaka is home to millions of migrants who work in the garment factories and other small industries.
Bangladesh railway authorities in the capital run special trains every year to deal with the rush of passengers.
But the demand for train tickets outstrips the supply every year, forcing hundreds of Muslim city-dwellers to travel perched on the carriage rooftops.
"I am going to Joypurhat to celebrate Eid at my home, but I haven't got a ticket. That is why I will have to travel by riding on the rooftop or by standing inside the coach. I have to go anyhow as I need to celebrate the Eid festival with my mother," said Mohammad Abu Shaha Jalal.
The jostling crowds and crammed train carriages didn't seem to deter those desperate to reach home in time for the celebrations.
"I have been waiting since morning. No train on my route has arrived yet. If I get into a train, I will travel anyhow, whether on the rooftop or inside the coach and reach my home. I'll return after the celebration," said Akhter Banu.
The Eid festival marks the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan devoted to dawn-to-dusk fasting and prayers.



You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/you...
Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork