POBNEWS24, Dhaka July 8, 2022 : At the last moment on the occasion of Eid-ul-Azha, the crowd of homebound people is increasing at Dhaka River Port Sadarghat Terminal. Although launches have instructions not to carry extra passengers, most launch authorities do not follow those instructions. Passengers were seen gathering on the roof of the launch.
The crowd of passengers at Sadarghat terminal has been increasing since dawn on Friday. Passengers are boarding the launch with their families and belongings. Many are sitting in the pontoon with their belongings. Launches on 43 routes in the south from morning had more passenger pressure than on other days. Patuakhali-bound MV Pubali-5, MV Sundarbans, MV Jamal-5, MV Kuakata-1, Bargunagami-bound MV Shahrukh-2, Charfason-bound MV Farhan-6, Farhan-3, Hatia-bound MV Sabbir-1 were seen carrying passengers on the roofs of the launches.
Meanwhile, the Patuakhali-bound launch crisis was seen at the terminal from noon. At this time the passengers sat in the pontoon and waited. Passengers hurriedly boarded the launch when the Patuakhali-bound launch pontoon was crowded from the afternoon. However, with the opening of the Padma Bridge, the pressure on the Sadarghat terminal is less this time.
According to Sadarghat terminal sources, 69 launches arrived at the terminal from 5 am to 6 pm on Friday and 6 launches left the terminal.
Mukul Mia, a passenger on the Patuakhali-bound launch, said there were adequate launch arrangements for passengers at Sadarghat. But when he came to the terminal, he saw that there was no launch on that route. Then he sat with his family waiting for the launch at the pontoon of the terminal. When the launch came in the afternoon, he got on the launch with the ticket.
On the other hand, a clash took place between the employees of Mati Farhan-3 and Karnafuli Launch at around 9:30 am on Friday. When BIWTA officials came to know about the incident, they arrested four employees of the accused MV Farhan-3 launch. Detainees will not work on any launch in Sadarghat area – they are released on bond to this effect.
Hamza Lal, director of the Dhaka River Port of the Inland Navigation (YAP) and owner of the MV Expedition launch, said the government was charging passengers a fixed fare. No extra rent is being taken. The number of passengers in the terminal is low. However, the fixed rent is being collected. The passengers’ complaint is not correct.
BIWTA Naval Safety and Traffic Management Department, Dhaka River Port Joint Director. Shahidullah said there was a scuffle between the employees of MV Farhan-3 and Karnafuli launch over picking up passengers at the launch in the morning. He added that the passenger congestion on Chandpur, Patuakhali and Hatia routes has been increasing since morning. Several launches left about an hour before the scheduled time.
BIWTA Executive Magistrate Shovan Rangsa said passengers had climbed on the roofs of several launches due to the heat. However, they have been taken down. Under no circumstances can the launch be operated in a hazardous manner carrying extra passengers and cargo.
Additional DIG of Naval Police Faridul Islam told Prothom Alo that on the occasion of Eid-ul-Azha, members of law enforcement agencies including members of Naval Police, Coast Guard, RAB and Ansar have taken strict security measures in the terminal area and river to ensure safe movement and safety of homebound launch passengers. He added that the launch is being released when the launch is full of passengers. Launches are not allowed to carry extra passengers and cargo at risk. Launches have to be operated as per government instructions.
