Summary:
- Bangladesh’s shipping ministry warns launch operators of immediate route permit cancellation for overcharging during Eid, with fare charts mandated from March 7.
- Enhanced security measures include deploying one commando and three Ansar personnel per launch to prevent overloading and ensure passenger safety.
- Traffic restrictions will keep roads near Dhaka’s Sadarghat terminal clear from the 15th day of Ramadan, targeting congestion hotspots like Golap Shah Mazar.
- Speedboats and bulkhead vessels banned during peak travel periods; all launches must undergo mandatory fitness checks to comply with safety standards.
The government has announced strict measures against excessive fare charging by water transport operators during upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations, with officials warning of immediate route permit cancellations for violators. Brigadier General (Retd.) Dr. M. Sakhawat Hossain, adviser to the Ministry of Shipping, issued the directives Thursday during a press briefing at the Secretariat, emphasizing passenger safety and fare compliance as key priorities for the holiday travel season.
Launch operators found charging above government-set fares will lose route permissions immediately, Dr. Hossain declared, adding that fare charts must be displayed prominently from March 7. The warning comes as authorities prepare for heightened river traffic ahead of Eid, when millions typically travel to rural hometowns via Bangladesh’s extensive waterway network.
Speed restrictions will be enforced across all passenger launches, with vessels prohibited from exceeding mandated limits. Security measures will see each launch staffed with one commando and three Ansar personnel to manage crowds and prevent overloading. “No launch may carry excess passengers or break queuing protocols. Licenses will be revoked if operators violate these rules,” the shipping adviser stated.
Road access to Dhaka’s Sadarghat terminal will remain unobstructed from the 15th day of Ramadan, with vehicles barred from idling between Zero Point and the port area. The directive specifically targets congestion near Golap Shah Mazar, identified as a chronic bottleneck. Speedboats and bulkhead vessels will be prohibited from operating during the critical travel period starting March 15, while all launches must pass mandatory fitness checks.
Dr. Hossain confirmed personal oversight of transport operations, stating: “I will monitor implementation firsthand at Sadarghat to ensure public convenience.” The measures aim to prevent recurrent issues of overcharging and safety violations that have marred previous Eid travel periods, with officials pledging zero tolerance for irregularities. Authorities have instructed law enforcement agencies to avoid unnecessary searches of vessels while maintaining vigilance against overloading.
