The government has announced a set of special measures, including a 10-day suspension of sand-carrying bulkheads and a restriction on night-time speedboat operations, to ensure the safe and smooth movement of passengers on waterways during the upcoming Eid-ul-Adha holidays.
State Minister for Shipping Md Razib Ahsan shared this information with journalists on Thursday following an inspection of the Paturia-Daulatdia ferry terminal.
During the visit, the state minister reviewed the overall management, passenger services, security arrangements, and vehicle crossing operations at the terminal to monitor preparations for the festive rush.
The state minister directed concerned officials and employees to ensure discipline and safety. He informed the press that safety railings on ferry terminal pontoons have been heightened and strengthened to prevent accidents.
Additionally, stop gates have been constructed and separate connecting roads have been created for passenger movement.
To ensure personal safety, the state minister urged passengers to disembark from buses before boarding ferries and requested that they avoid moving between small boats or trawlers and launches.
He warned that strict action would be taken against overcrowding and the collection of extra fares, adding that digital fare charts must be displayed prominently on every launch.
According to the directives, the movement of sand-carrying bulkheads will remain completely suspended day and night for ten days-five days before and five days after Eid-from 23 May to 2 June. Speedboats will also be prohibited from operating at night.
In an effort to reduce the heavy pressure of passengers at Sadarghat, the government has taken the initiative to launch ferry services from Dhaka’s Bosila Ghat and the Shimulia Ghat near Purnachal’s Kanchan Bridge.
Furthermore, a BRTC shuttle bus service will operate from Kuril Bishwa Road to Shimulia Ghat.
To facilitate the holiday rush, general trucks and covered vans will be barred from crossing on ferries for six days—three days before and three days after Eid-from 25 May to 31 May.
However, trucks carrying essential commodities and perishable goods will remain exempt from this ban. Notably, trucks carrying sacrificial animals will receive priority for ferry crossings.
The state minister further emphasised that no harassment or “tugging” of animal-laden vessels by terminal leaseholders or any other individuals will be tolerated.
All vessels carrying livestock must display a visible banner indicating the specific terminal where the animals will be unloaded.
The Ministry of Shipping has requested passengers to contact the following numbers for any emergencies- BIWTA hotline 16113, National Emergency Service 999, Government Info and Services 333, Fire Service 102, Coast Guard 16111, Naval Police 01769-702215, and Operation Zero Missing 0132000217.
The Chairman of BIWTA, the Director General of the Department of Shipping, and other senior officials from the ministry and related departments were present during the inspection
