Photo: BSS

RAJSHAHI, April 3, 2025 (BSS) - Amusement spots especially on the banks of the river Padma are bustling with huge onrushing of people of all ages as Rajshahi people are still celebrating Eid braving heat and sultry weather.
 
Although the city wore a deserted look with no traffic jams in the streets today due to Eid holidays, city dwellers were seen visiting their relatives and friends for exchanging pleasantries and greetings.

Main feature of this year's Eid festival is the peaceful and tranquil environment following the tight and multi-scale security measures with the engagements of forces from various law enforcement agencies.

Stable market conditions with fair and tolerable prices of essential commodities in Ramadan followed by Eid shopping spree in a peaceful and secured environment, after fall of the autocratic AL regime, have rejuvenated the mass people to enjoy Eid holidays in a bigger festive mood and joy.

Ataul Gani, who was visiting the Padma river bank, told BSS that he has no scope of giving time to his family members as he works at a private organisation. This time, he managed to add two more days to the Eid holidays. So, he along with his family members came to the riverside for amusement.

He, however, said people's onrush has not reduced on the fourth day of Eid making them jubilant and he will pass some more times at the natural scenic site.
 
Bipul Hossain, a resident of Upashar area in the city, used to live in Dhaka for his professional works and came here to celebrate Eid this time. He has been visiting the tourists' points accompanied by his family members since the Eid day.

"Children are deriving joy enormously and we are celebrating the Eid together with my family members," said Hossain while talking to BSS at Shimla Park adjacent to Shishu Academy. 

Meanwhile, huge traffic congestions are being witnessed on most of the roads closed to the amusement points amid onrushing of huge roaming people to mark the Eid festival making rickshaw-pullers, passengers and pedestrians' sufferers.

A government employee Arman Hossain has spent most of leisure time in amusement centres as he has been celebrating the Eid festival here this time. Accompanied by his friends, he has been roaming the tourist centres since the Eid day.

He, however, alleged that drivers of rickshaw and auto-rickshaws are seen taking extra fare causing the public in general to suffer.
 
Admitting the fact, rickshaw driver Saiful Islam said they are taking some extra fares around the Eid. "Normally, we get the scope in only a couple of days and we expect it from the passengers," he added.

However, the visit-thirsting people are seen roaming to share the Eid-joys and amusements with family members, relatives and friends forgetting all the hurdles and constraints.

In this context, the elongated bank of the river Padma along with its 'T' and 'I' groins has become one of the tourist centres.

People with their family members are seen rushing to the bank to take a taste of natural scenic beauty. Many of them are also enjoying themselves on boats in the river throughout the day, particularly afternoon and evening.

Engine-driven local boats are moving from one side to the other on the bank of the river. Everyone is enjoying themselves as the boats race across the water, creating big waves.
 
Besides, people attired in new dresses and shoes were busy with frequent roaming for their choice of destinations, including relatives and friends' places as a sense of security and safety returned following strict security measures taken by law enforcement agencies. 
 
Thousands of people, especially children, poured in and around the city's parks, historic places and other recreation centres to enjoy and celebrate the festival.
 
Central Park and Zoo, Zia Shishu Park, Varendra Research Museum, BGB Amusement Point, Vadra Park, Padma Garden and Borokuthi amusement point drew huge crowds.
 
The Central Park and Zoo, the largest amusement spot in Rajshahi metropolis, has got a new look after massive development and beautification works over the years and collection of more beasts and animals for the zoo.
 
Padma River bank adjacent to the Saheb Bazar area of the city has also turned into an attractive tourist and recreational spot.

Talking to BSS visitor Nargish Akhter said she is enjoying the overall atmosphere of the park as there is no panic and anxiety.