Ferry operations between Hatiya and Chairman Ghat in Noakhali have been suspended for four days due to inclement weather.
While passengers are crossing by sea‑trucks and trawlers at risk, drivers and workers of goods‑laden vehicles are facing severe hardship.
With ferry services halted, more than 200 trucks, covered vans and other vehicles have been stranded at Chairman Ghat and Hatiya’s Nolchira Ghat. Officials said goods carried in these vehicles are spoiling due to the prolonged wait.
According to ghat authorities and local sources, ferries have been suspended for the last four days to avoid accidents as the Meghna River and the sea remain turbulent. Authorities said ferry movement is unsafe under such unfavorable weather.
Meanwhile, sea‑trucks and small trawlers are operating on a limited scale, but locals said passengers are forced to take risks while crossing the rough river in these vessels.
Truck drivers and workers stranded at the ghat said they have been waiting for days with their vehicles. They fear financial losses as goods cannot be delivered on time, while spoilage of raw materials is adding to the damage.
One affected truck driver, Abdul Latif, said, “I have been stuck at the ghat with a truckload of potatoes. There is no sign of the ferry resuming. More than half the goods might have rotted. We have lost lakhs of taka.”
Locals noted that the ferry is one of the main means of communication between Hatiya and the mainland. Prolonged suspension of ferry services severely affects both residents and local trade.
Ghat authorities said the river has become excessively turbulent and rising tidal waters have submerged the ferry pontoon, making landing difficult. They stressed that ferry services have been suspended temporarily to protect passengers and property. Once weather conditions improve, priority will be given to transporting goods vehicles.
Masum Billah, assistant director of Hatiya Coastal Port, said, “Due to a low‑pressure system over the Bay of Bengal, the river is extremely rough. We have temporarily suspended ferry operations to avoid accidents. Services will resume once the weather normalises.”
