The government has undertaken comprehensive preparations to ensure the safe, disciplined, and hassle-free travel of passengers via waterways for the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr.
The commitment was reaffirmed on Thursday during a preparatory meeting held at the Ministry of Shipping’s conference room, presided over by Sheikh Rabiul Alam, the minister for Shipping, Road Transport and Bridges, and Railways.
Detailed instructions were issued to relevant departments and agencies to prioritise passenger safety and comfort during the festive period.
Traffic and security measures
To mitigate congestion, the minister directed authorities to keep the road from Dhaka’s Zero Point to Sadarghat free of traffic jams from the 15th of Ramadan until the third day after Eid.
A coordinated security effort involving the Traffic Police, Naval Police, Ansar, and Community Police will be deployed at Sadarghat to maintain order and passenger safety.
To prevent accidents, the movement of all sand-laden bulkheads and dinghies will be completely suspended day and night from 16 March to 25 March 2026.
Additionally, night-time speedboat operations are prohibited, and the use of life jackets for daytime speedboat passengers will be strictly enforced.
From 17 March to 24 March, the transport of general trucks and covered vans via ferries will be suspended, with exceptions only for essential and perishable goods.
Strict enforcement of rules
Minister Sheikh Rabiul Alam categorically stated that no fares above the government-approved rates would be tolerated.
Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) approved fare lists must be prominently displayed at all river ports, terminals, and vessels. Overcrowding, carrying goods beyond capacity, and carrying passengers on launch roofs are strictly prohibited.
“Strict legal action, including the cancellation of route permits and licences of vessels, as well as measures against owners and drivers, will be taken if allegations of overcharging or overloading are proven,” the Minister warned.
Regular mobile courts will be operational at ferry, launch, and speedboat ghats to ensure compliance.
Vessel fitness and monitoring
The movement of vessels and ferries without fitness certificates is completely banned. All vessels must adhere to fixed schedules, and any breach of serials or irregularities will face legal consequences.
Measures will be in place to prevent the mid-river boarding of passengers, and night patrols will be intensified to curb robbery, extortion, and harassment.
For enhanced security, at least four Ansar members will be stationed on every launch from the 15th of Ramadan until the third day after Eid.
Vigilance teams comprising representatives from the District and Upazila administrations, Police, Naval Police, and Coast Guard will monitor ghat areas, supported by a central monitoring team from the Ministry.
Infrastructure and emergency readiness
Rescue vessels will be kept on standby to handle emergencies. The Fire Service and Civil Defence Department has been instructed to remain at maximum readiness at major river ports, with floating fire stations to be established if necessary.
Navigation channels, including the whirlpool area at the confluence of the Meghna and Dakatia rivers in Chandpur, will be properly marked. Ongoing dredging, pontoon installation, and ghat development will continue to keep all ferry routes and channels operational.
Passenger services and coordination
Terminal facilities will include drinking water, sanitation, mobile charging points, and breastfeeding corners, with special arrangements for women, children, and persons with disabilities.
All ports and launches must maintain cleanliness, and anti-smoking awareness campaigns will be strengthened.
To manage the passenger surge, garment and knitwear sector authorities in Dhaka and Gazipur have been requested to grant worker holidays in phases. Additionally, BRTC will operate adequate feeder bus services from ports and ferry ghats to facilitate internal travel.
The minister urged the public to contact the National Emergency Service at 999 or the BIWTA hotline at 16113 for any assistance.
The meeting was attended by State Ministers Habibur Rashid and Md Rajib Ahsan, Shipping Secretary Dr Nurunnahar Chowdhury, and senior officials from the ministry, Bangladesh Police, Coast Guard, Naval Police, and Fire Service.
