Staff Correspondent:

In preparation for the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr, the Shipping Adviser Brigadier General (Retd) M Sakhawat Hussain has urged all relevant stakeholders to work diligently to ensure smooth and safe travel for passengers across the country’s waterways.

Speaking virtually during a meeting at the Ministry of Shipping on Tuesday, the adviser emphasized that the government is committed to facilitating the safe operation of vessels and ensuring passenger security during the Eid period.

Several precautionary measures have already been implemented, he said, adding that armed Ansar personnel will be deployed on long-distance launch vessels to enhance safety.

The River Police, Coast Guard and Bangladesh Navy have been instructed to increase patrolling in areas identified as high-risk along the waterways, Sakhawat said.

Additionally, the BIWTC control room will operate continuously to provide support to passengers and vehicles on ferries and passenger vessels traveling to various destinations, he added.

“Passengers and vehicle owners are encouraged to contact the helplines 02223362779 and 01404443707 for assistance.”

To prevent accidents, the adviser instructed the relevant authorities to suspend the movement of bulkhead vessels (sand carriers) for the five days preceding and following Eid.

He further emphasized that concessionaires at Sadarghat and other ferry terminals must not harass passengers or charge any additional fees, with BIWTA and other relevant agencies tasked with overseeing the matter.

The adviser also called on operators of vessels without valid fitness certificates to immediately obtain certification.

The director-general of the Directorate of Shipping has been directed to take necessary actions to ensure compliance, he added.

The adviser warned that severe penalties, including fines and the revocation of route permits, would be enforced if there are complaints of overloading or charging higher-than-approved fares during the Eid journey.

“Deputy commission oners have been instructed to conduct mobile courts at ferry and launch terminals nationwide.”

Furthermore, the adviser directed the chairman of BIWTC to ensure that an authorized fare chart is prominently displayed at ferry terminals.

To ensure smooth traffic flow and prevent congestion between Zero Point and Sadarghat in Dhaka, the adviser instructed law enforcement agencies to take the necessary actions.

The adviser also said that surprise inspections will be conducted at various spots along the waterways, including Sadarghat, to monitor preparations for the Eid journey.

The adviser urged deputy commissioners, police superintendents, upazila nirbahi officers, officers-in-charge, and other law enforcement agencies to work together effectively to ensure smooth travel for passengers during the Eid period.