BM Desk : On June 7, the holy Eid-ul-Azha will take place. In addition to the capital’s crowded train and road stations, the Sadarghat launch facility is also crowded with people making their way home. People have reported feeling much safer and more relieved this time around on the rivers through Sadarghat.
During a visit to Sadarghat on Thursday, June 5, it was seen that since the morning, the number of people at the launch terminal’s numerous piers has been rising. Several others have already purchased tickets and entered the cabin. After failing to acquire a cabin, some have contacted and taken seats. While some people are eager for Eid, others are anticipating seeing their loved ones after a protracted trip.
Kalam Gazi, a traveler on the MV Sundarban-9 heading to Barisal, remarked, “Despite the Padma Bridge being open, I prefer to take the launch for Eid. Bus fares have increased, and the launch offers the most comfortable experience for traveling with family and friends. There’s nothing quite like a serene journey on the launch.”
Arif Hasan, a passenger bound for Bhola, stated, “The only way to reach Bhola is via the waterways. This journey is remarkable – there are no extra fare charges, and passengers are not being taken beyond capacity. The owners are unable to manage the oversight of law enforcement agencies.”
Parvez, traveling to Barishal, mentioned, “Even though the crowd is smaller than before due to the Padma Bridge, I still opt for the launch for a comfortable trip with my family. I missed Eid-ul-Fitr, so I won’t be traveling this time.”
Unprecedented security measures are evident at the Sadarghat launch terminal. Four Ansar members are assigned to each launch. Additionally, personnel from the DMP, RAB, naval police, army, fire service, and BIWTA are actively involved. Plainclothes detectives are also monitoring the situation.
Md. Mobarak Hossain, Joint Director of BIWTA, stated, “Executive magistrates are on duty 24/7 to ensure safety. We have not received any reports of extra fare charges. The journey is significantly more comfortable this time due to the involvement of the army and law enforcement.”
A naval police sub-inspector commented, “Regular patrols are being conducted on the river. Police officers are stationed around the clock to guarantee passenger safety at Sadarghat. We will respond promptly to any complaints from travelers.”
To facilitate a smooth Eid journey, a special Eid launch service commenced on Wednesday night (June 4) and will run until June 14. As per the Bangladesh Launch Owners Association, seven to eight launches are operating daily, depending on passenger numbers. At least 16 launches are prepared for this service.
MV Sundarban-15 Launch Supervisor Md. Kabir Hossain said, “We had to launch additional launches as per the demand. This time, tickets have been sold as per the target. No additional fare has been charged.”
Siddiqur Rahman Patwary, Member Secretary of the Bangladesh Launch Owners Association, said, “This time, passengers are travelling comfortably, which is our big achievement. We have taken immediate action if we receive any complaints. The two Eids are our big business seasons. Many people want to travel by launch with their families, so we are trying to ensure service.”
Although the boat journey is comfortable, the problem is not completely gone. Sadarghat passengers are walking a long way from Gulistan to reach the ghat. Traffic congestion increases in the capital during Eid, and Sadarghat is one of the areas affected by it.
In addition, although the advance demand for cabins is high, a slightly different picture has been seen this time. Cabin tickets have not been completely sold out, but the pressure of passengers on the deck is much higher.
BIWTC boats or state transport agencies have not taken any special initiative to provide passenger services during Eid. Many passengers have expressed disappointment over this. People have to rely on private launches for fares.
BIWTA’s Deputy Director of Naval Safety and Traffic Management Department Sheikh Md. Selim Reza said, “Due to the long Eid holiday, the pressure of passengers will be much higher this time. Therefore, we have made additional preparations for passenger services. I hope everything will be normal until the last moment.”
Government official Neyamul Karim is going to celebrate Eid with his parents in Barisal city. He said, “Even in the era of the Padma Bridge, the importance of the river route has not diminished. Rather, launch is still the first choice of people in the southern region for a safe, comfortable and family Eid journey. With the combined efforts of the government, launch owners and law enforcement, this year’s Eid journey is as orderly as it is comfortable.”
