Pekua: Shipping Adviser Brigadier General (R.) Dr. M Sakhawat Hussain today inaugurated the long-awaited modern sea-truck service on the Pekua-Kutubdia route. An advanced sea-truck named 'ST Bhasha Shaheed Jabbar' was officially launched on the Pekua-Kutubdia waterway.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, speaking at the event, the shipping adviser said that the introduction of modern sea-trucks on the Pekua-Kutubdia and Cox's Bazar-Maheshkhali routes has opened a new horizon for transportation for people in the coastal regions. He said this service will reduce travel time and suffering while ensuring safe and comfortable journeys. Sakhawat mentioned the government's sincere efforts to improve communication systems in coastal and inland areas.
He highlighted that the launch of this service will boost trade, commerce, tourism, and emergency services. He further added that in the future, the number of such modern vessels will be increased. BIWTA Chairman Rear Admiral Arif Ahmed Mustafa, Dhaka University of Engineering and Technology Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Mohammad Zoynal Abedin, Cox's Bazar Deputy Commissioner Md. A. Mannan, Additional Deputy Commissioner Nazim Uddin, and other government officials were present.
After the inauguration, the sea-truck departed from Magnama Jetty at 1:00 pm and reached Boroghop Jetty around 1:30 pm. A large number of people gathered at the jetties to witness the new vessel. Arif Ahmed Mustafa stated that the sea-truck will be operated with the highest priority given to passenger safety. He assured that all necessary measures have been taken to ensure discipline and punctuality on the waterway.
Local residents expect that the launch of this new sea-truck service will significantly ease the long-standing travel hardships of the people of Pekua and Kutubdia.