State Minister for Shipping Rajib Ahsan has said the government has taken all necessary preparations to ensure smooth and safe travel during Eid-ul-Adha.
He also said efforts are underway to ensure the safe return journey of people who have already travelled to their hometowns for the Eid holidays.
The state minister made the remarks while speaking to journalists after visiting Barishal river port on Wednesday afternoon.
Responding to questions regarding allegations of overcharging passengers on launches during Eid travel, Rajib Ahsan said the government had fixed fare charts for water transport services.
“We have government-approved fare lists. If any launch operator charges extra fares, action will be taken against them,” he said, adding that no such complaints had been received so far.
The state minister further said the Ministry of Shipping was working every day to ensure that both passenger and cargo transport services remain complaint-free and comfortable for the public.
“Our goal is to reduce complaints in this service-oriented sector to zero,” he added.
Highlighting the requirement for vessel registration, Rajib Ahsan said around 23,000 registered water vessels currently operate under government approval across the country.
However, he noted that an estimated 250,000 to 300,000 vessels are operating nationwide.
“We have taken initiatives to ensure that anyone operating water vessels must come under the government’s regulatory framework in accordance with the shipping regulations,” he said.
“All vessels must be operated in compliance with government policies and rules.”
Officials of Barishal river port, members of the police administration and other senior officials were present during the inspection.
