Dhaka: Adviser for shipping Brigadier General (Retd) M Sakhawat Hussain has issued a warning that strict action will be taken against any complaints of overcharging fares or overcrowding on water vessels during the holy Eid-ul-Fitr. The announcement came following a meeting focused on ensuring smooth and safe journeys for passengers during Eid at the shipping ministry.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Sakhawat emphasized that a set of directives has been provided to relevant authorities to facilitate a pleasant experience for Eid revelers. Any passenger vessels charging fares beyond the fixed rates will face fines and possible cancellation of their route permits. He also stressed that unfit water vessels will be prohibited from operating under any circumstances, and no launch or ferry will be allowed to break serials.
The Department of Shipping, along with other relevant authorities, has been instructed to monitor these issues closely. Each vessel is required to display the government fare chart prominently to inform passengers of the correct fare, failing which, action will be taken against the vessel owners. Security forces have been instructed to avoid conducting unnecessary checks that could lead to delays or harassment of passengers.
Sakhawat also stated that no vessel will be permitted to operate without a valid fitness certificate, and exceeding the speed limit is strictly prohibited. He urged unfit vessels to obtain their fitness certificates immediately. Those leasing terminals at Sadarghat and other terminals have been warned against harassing passengers or charging additional fees.
The Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) and other relevant authorities have been tasked with overseeing these matters. Ansar members will be deployed on night launches to ensure passenger safety, and special patrols by the Bangladesh Navy, Coast Guard, and River Police will be conducted in crime-prone areas such as the Shitalakshya River in Narayanganj, Gazaria in Munshiganj, and Meghna River in Barisal.
Additionally, Sakhawat highlighted the need for the city road from Dhaka’s Zero Point to Sadarghat to remain clear of traffic jams starting from the 15th of Ramadan. Senior Secretary of the ministry Mohammad Yusuf and other concerned officials were present at the meeting.