People have started leaving the capital ahead of Eid-ul-Adha to return to their hometowns. Sadarghat river terminal remains one of the main gateways for travellers heading to southern Bangladesh.
However, unlike previous years, the familiar rush of passengers has yet to build up at the terminal, allowing travellers to move comfortably at the start of the Eid journey.
A visit to the Sadarghat launch terminal between 11am and 5pm on Saturday found the pontoons and ticket counters for routes including Barishal, Bhola, Patuakhali, Jhalakathi, Chandpur and Munshiganj largely free of crowds. Passenger movement remained normal, with no excessive congestion or rush seen anywhere.
The launch terminal officials said passenger pressure is likely to increase from Sunday, after government and private offices begin Eid holidays, when a large number of homebound travellers are expected to head to river routes.
Launch owners said many passengers had already purchased advance tickets to avoid suffering, while others were waiting to leave Dhaka after their final working day. As a result, passenger numbers may rise several times over the next one or two days. However, the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) and launch operators said all preparations had been completed to ensure smooth Eid travel.
Barishal route launch MV Manami’s supervisor Md Selim said, “Passenger pressure has not started yet. Most travellers have already bought advance tickets. Numbers will rise once office holidays begin. We have completed preparations including cleaning the launches, preparing cabins and ensuring security.”
Bhola route MV Karnaphuli-14 supervisor Kamal Hossain said, “A large section of Bhola passengers still depend on river transport. The biggest rush usually comes two or three days before Eid. We are already on alert to control excess passengers and ensure safe travel.”
Chandpur route MV Bogdadia-7 supervisor Abdullah Al Mamun said, “The environment at the terminal is much calmer this year. Passengers are buying tickets comfortably. As monitoring by the authorities has increased, instructions have been given to completely stop taking passengers from the middle of the river.”
Launches still remain key for Eid travel
People involved in river transport said the Padma Bridge had significantly changed transport patterns in southern Bangladesh. Many passengers, especially on Barishal and Patuakhali routes, now prefer road travel for faster journeys.
Despite that, launches have not lost their popularity during Eid travel. For people in river-surrounded areas such as Bhola, Chandpur and Hatiya, launches remain the most dependable means of transport. Many travellers also prefer river journeys for comfort and to avoid traffic congestion.
Bhola-bound passenger Sharmin Akter said, “Travelling by bus has become easier after the Padma Bridge, but long road journeys with children are very difficult. If we get a cabin on a launch, we can travel comfortably with the family. The crowds at the terminal are also smaller this year, making the journey more relaxing.”
Barishal-bound passenger Rezaul Karim said, “Road travel has increased because of the Padma Bridge, but there is always severe traffic during Eid. At least launches do not have that pressure. The environment at Sadarghat is also much calmer this year, so I boarded without any trouble.”
Chandpur-bound passenger Mahfuz Rahman said, “Many people now use roads to save time. But I still prefer launches because of the comfort of overnight travel and the peaceful river journey.”
State minister announces 10% fare cut
State Minister for Shipping Md Rajib Ahsan has announced a 10 per cent reduction in launch fares for passengers this Eid.
After visiting Sadarghat terminal on Saturday afternoon, the state minister said, “After discussions with launch owners, it has been decided that passengers will be transported at fares around 10 per cent lower than last year.”
He also said digital fare charts were being introduced to avoid confusion over fares. Passengers will be able to see destination-based fares and schedules on digital screens installed at the terminal.
Warning against taking passengers from mid-river
Authorities have also taken a strict stance against the dangerous practice of taking passengers on and off launches from the middle of rivers using trawlers or boats.
The state minister said, “Under no circumstances will passengers be allowed to board or disembark mid-river. Such risky travel is one of the major causes of serious accidents.”
Two special permanent jetties have been built on both sides of the terminal for passengers using boats or trawlers to enter the terminal area. The Coast Guard and river police have been instructed to stop mid-river boarding and disembarkation.
Modern monitoring systems have also been introduced at the terminal. Watch towers and a central control room are being used to monitor launch arrivals and departures. No launch will be allowed to dock or leave without BIWTA approval.
Dhaka River Port Sadarghat Joint Director of Naval Safety and Traffic Management Muhammad Mobarak Hossain said, “All preparations have been completed to ensure safe travel for homebound passengers during Eid. Strict monitoring is underway to prevent excess passengers and irregularities. Digital monitoring has also made terminal management much more organised.”
River Police Station Officer-in-Charge () Sohag Rana said, “Additional police have been deployed at Sadarghat and surrounding areas. Our teams are working round the clock to prevent pickpocketing, drugging gangs and passenger harassment. River police speedboats are patrolling to stop risky boarding and disembarkation in the middle of the river.”
