The Sadarghat Launch Terminal in Dhaka is Bangladesh’s largest inland river transport hub, serving thousands of passengers traveling to various southern districts every day. Passenger pressure increases significantly during Eid, festivals, and public holidays.
Despite its importance, the terminal has long faced allegations of mismanagement, safety risks, and inadequate passenger services.
The lack of sufficient wheelchairs causes difficulties for elderly and physically challenged passengers. A breastfeeding zone designated for women and children is often kept locked, leaving mothers without a suitable place to feed their babies.
Worn-out and uneven jetty flooring also makes movement hazardous for passengers. Large sections of the jetty’s walkways are occupied by street vendors, making it difficult for passengers to move around and board or disembark from launches during busy periods.
The presence of the unhoused (often suffering from mental health issues and/or addiction) in and around the terminal has also raised safety concerns, compounded by weak security measures from the authorities.
Environmental concerns further exacerbate the issue. Garbage from the terminal and surrounding areas is reportedly dumped into the Buriganga River, increasing pollution and posing long-term risks to the environment and public health.
The dumping of waste into the river not only degrades water quality but also threatens aquatic life and the livelihoods of communities dependent on the river.
While various modernisation initiatives have been undertaken at Sadarghat, many of the problems affecting passengers remain unresolved.
Without urgent and effective measures to improve services, strengthen security, keep walkways clear, and protect the Buriganga River and its surrounding environment, Sadarghat risks becoming just another symbol of neglect, rather than a gateway to the country’s southern districts.
