Dhaka: The Ministry of Shipping has introduced a special passenger service on waterways ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr to ensure safe, smooth, and comfortable travel for homebound passengers. Under the arrangement, launch and steamer services will operate on several river routes from Shimulia Tourist Ghat and Basila Launch Ghat in Dhaka starting from March 17, the ministry announced in a statement on Thursday.
According to United News of Bangladesh, vessels will operate on the Shimulia-Demra-Narayanganj-Chandpur-Kaliganj-Hijla-Barishal route from Shimulia Tourist Ghat, located near Kanchan Bridge. In addition, passenger transport services will be available on the Basila-Sadarghat-Munshiganj-Chandpur-Eidga Ferry Ghat and Shariatpur-Ilisha-Hakimuddin-Golachipa routes from Basila Launch Ghat near Basila Bridge.
The ministry has issued necessary instructions to the relevant authorities to ensure that the Eid journey remains safe and well-organized. Preparations have already been taken to maintain passenger safety and ensure quality services on waterways, as highlighted in the statement.
Passengers traveling by waterways have been requested to contact the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) hotline at 16113 for any emergency or service-related assistance.