Mad rush of Dhaka-returnees in ferry ghats posing high risk of virus spread

Staff Correspondent :

Despite the risk of Covid-19 infection, many people are returning to Dhaka after spending the Eid holidays. There is pressure of Dhaka-returnee people at Banglabazar in Madaripur and Shimulia in Munshiganj.

It was seen on the spot that 18 ferries, big and small, have been plying on this route since Wednesday morning, not following the hygiene guidelines.

Meanwhile, there are CNG-powered autorickshaws, battery-powered autorickshaws, pickup vans, motorcycles and rented private vehicles from Shimulia Ghat to Dhaka.

However, passengers alleged that they are facing extreme sufferings by “changing vehicles frequently” due to the closure of long-distance buses. As a result, they have to pay extra fares.

Rakibul Islam, a passenger, said he had to return to work despite the risk of the infection. At normal times, the autorickshaw fare from Shimulia Ghat to Postagola in Dhaka was Tk 120 to 150 per person. Now it is being taken from Tk 300 to 350.

He added that battery-powered autorickshaws from Shimulia Ghat to Kadamtali cost Tk 150 and pickup vans Tk 100 to Tk 200 per person.

Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC) Shimulia Ghat Assistant Manager Md. Mahbub Rahman said thousands of passengers are returning to work after Eid. There is a lot of pressure on the ferries due to Dhaka-bound passengers. “Only passengers” have crossed in a few ferries since this morning.

Mentioning that passengers are also going to the districts of South Bengal, he added that it is possible to handle the pressure as the ferry movement is normal. Passengers are asked to follow various hygiene rules by miking but they do not comply.

Mawa traffic police inspector Md. Hilal Uddin said action would be taken if any complaint was received from the passengers. About 50 vehicles are waiting in the ghat area. Ambulances and hearse vehicles are being given priority on the ferry.