DHAKA, Bangladesh (AP) — The bustling capital city of Bangladesh is witnessing a dramatic transformation as its population begins a massive exodus.
Countless internal workers who migrated to the city are now making their way back to their ancestral homes to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, the religious celebration that concludes the month of Ramadan.
Striking images show a young child wearing festive bright pink clothing sitting above crowds of people attempting to board ferry vessels. The nighttime boats illuminate the darkness with colorful signage displaying the names of various cities where these travelers originated.
Similar pandemonium unfolds at the capital’s train terminals. Passengers force themselves through small windows while others scale the tops of railway cars. Extended families transport overhead luggage filled with presents intended for relatives and community members back home.
Temporarily, the metropolis experiences a rare stillness. This urban center that continuously grows with workers seeking employment and education opportunities now releases its population annually for spiritual observance and family reunification. The capital attracted these individuals with employment prospects, educational institutions, and advancement possibilities, but now sends them back to rural communities throughout the nation.
Every trip represents both routine travel and remarkable significance.
These striking images document the movement and celebration of Eid as more than just a religious observance, but as a massive reunion for countless people.
