The Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) has issued a 16-point emergency safety notification for launch passengers to ensure safe river travel ahead of Eid-ul-Azha.
The guidelines, published by BIWTA on Thursday, include the following instructions for passengers to prevent accidents and ensure a disciplined journey:
Passengers must purchase tickets before boarding and are required to carry a copy of their National Identity Card (NID).
The authority has strictly advised against boarding as extra passengers or travelling on the rooftops of launches.
Rooftop travel causes the vessel to become imbalanced, significantly increasing the risk of maritime accidents.
Passengers are urged to board and disembark in an orderly manner and avoid rushing, which can be life-threatening.
Travellers should check weather forecasts before starting their journey and avoid travelling during foul or hazardous weather.
Upon boarding, passengers should locate and familiarise themselves with the positions of life jackets and lifebuoys. In the event of a potential accident during the journey, passengers are advised to remain calm and composed rather than panicking or rushing.
To avoid the intense holiday pressure, the BIWTA suggests sending family members to their destinations before the peak Eid rush begins.
Passengers are cautioned not to consume any food or drink offered by strangers and must remain vigilant against pickpockets, ‘oggyan party’ (dope gangs), and muggers.
All personal luggage and belongings should be kept under the passenger’s own responsibility.
The notification prohibits boarding launches from small boats or trawlers. Furthermore, passengers must not attempt to board or disembark using trawlers while the launch is in motion or in the middle of the river.
Travellers are advised to wait at the terminal until the vessel has docked at the quay.
For any problems or emergencies, passengers should seek immediate assistance from on-duty officials or law enforcement agencies.
The BIWTA has highlighted several emergency contact numbers:
• BIWTA Hotline: 16113
• National Emergency Service: 999
• Government Information Service: 333
• Fire Service: 102
• Coast Guard: 16111
