Home ›› 31 Mar 2023 ›› Front
The government will make alternative arrangements to carry motorcycles across the Padma River during Eid-ul-Fitr as the Padma Bridge is off limits for the two-wheelers.
The alternative service might be arranged on the Shimulia-Majhirkandi route, according to decisions made at a preparation meeting for waterway transports including launches and ferries on Eid journey on Thursday.
The meeting took place at the shipping ministry, reads a press release issued on the day. Heads of different relevant organisations and others were present at the meeting, with State Minister for Shipping Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury in the chair.
Since the government prohibited motorcycles on the bridge within a day it was inaugurated last year, motorbike riders are resorting to two different arrangements to cross the mighty river. They are crossing the river either by taking small launches, trawlers or boarding on trucks with their vehicle. Both processes are time consuming, risky and costly.
According to the press statement, Thursday’s meeting at the shipping ministry decided that trucks and covered vans, except those that carry essential items, will not be allowed on ferries for seven days, beginning three days before Eid-ul-Fitr while the movement of sand-carrying bulkheads will be suspended for 10 days, beginning from five days before the Eid-ul-Fitr.
In the meantime, the number of ferries will be increased on Paturia, Daulatdia, Aricha, Kazirhat, Harina, Alubazar ferry routes. Sea-trucks will be in operation for river crossings in coastal areas like Sandwip and Hatia.
State Minister for Shipping Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury said, “There was a perception that once the Padma Bridge was completed, the people of the southern region would no longer use the waterways to go village home.
“This has been proven wrong. Interest in waterways has not decreased but has increased. So, like the previous years, efforts are being made to ensure that common people can avail waterways services smoothly.”
The meeting called on water passenger transports owners to operate with caution during Eid as Nor’wester (Kal-Baishakhi) generally blows over Bangladesh in April-May.
It also asked the BGMEA and BKMEA to take measures to ensure holidays for workers in the garment and knitwear sectors in Dhaka and Gazipur metropolitan areas in an area-wise phased manner for smooth travel of passengers on inland waterways.
