Online Desk:  Dhaka city is still to get its usual look though the city dwellers have started returning to the capital after holidays for Eid-ul-Fitr and Pahela Baishakh.

The bustling capital look empty with most of the roadside shops, shopping malls closed and few public and private vehicles plying the streets.

The government, semi-government, and private offices including banks and financial institutions opened today but there was a low presence of employees.

Officials and staff were seen exchanging Eid greetings with colleagues by embracing each other.

A small number of buses and private vehicles were seen plying the streets in Malibagh, Shantinagar, Gulshan, Firmgate , Dhamondi, Mirpur  and Shahbagh areas in the morning.

Md Yousuf, an employee of a private bank, said, “Still a festive environment is prevailing in the city. There is no traffic jam or chaos on streets. It took me only 6 minutes to reach Gulshan from Rajarbagh area by car that usually takes 30 to 40 minutes on the other regular days due to traffic congestion. It’s a temporary relief for Dhaka dwellers.”

On the occasion of Eid, April 10, 11, and 12 (Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday) were public holidays. After Eid, there was a weekly holiday on Saturday, April 13, and a Bengali New Year holiday on the occasion of Pahela Baishakh on Sunday, April 14.

However, many of the government and private sector workers who went outside Dhaka to celebrate Eid took optional leave.

As a result, it will take a few more days to start the proceedings in full swing in the offices, courts, banks, and stock market.

Besides, schools and colleges will also open next week. Then the capital will return to normal.