Dhaka, March 23 -- Dhaka residents have a chance to catch their breath during the Eid-ul-Fitr break as the capital's typical congestion and pollution gave way to a few quieter days.

The typical exhaustion caused by the relentless rush of people and traffic has eased, with clear roads, closed factories, and a touch of rain offering a touch of comfort.

At the start of the holiday period, the Dhaka Metropolitan Police estimated that around 1.5 to 2 million people were leaving the city daily to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr with their families, with numbers rising to nearly 10 million by Eid day.

With more than 20 million residents travelling out of the capital or heading to tourist destinations, Dhaka seems much emptier than normal for the bustli...