Commuters on the Shimulia-Banglabazar route were going for launch services today as only four small ferries are operating on the route following a 12-hour suspension. 

Hearing about the shortage of ferries, vehicles are avoiding Shimulia ghat while passengers are rushing to launch ghat for crossing the Padma river. 

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While visiting Shimulia ghat around 10:00 am, our Munshiganj correspondent witnessed many passengers ignoring health rules while traveling.

The authorities concerned — using loudspeakers — were seen asking people to follow health guidelines, but could only draw little attention of the passengers.

Mohammad Faysal, manager of Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC), Shimulia ghat in Munshiganj, said the ferry services remained suspended from 6 pm yesterday to 6 am today due to strong current in the Padma River, and to ensure the security of Padma bridge’s under-construction pillars. 

Around 50 light vehicles were waiting at the ghat around 10:00 am, he said.

Salauddin Ahmed, manager of BIWTC Banglabazar ghat in Madaripur, said no vehicles were seen waiting at the ghat in the morning. A very few vehicles rushed to the ghat but they left upon hearing about the shortage of ferries.

Md Soleman, the inspector of Shimulia ghat of Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA), said 86 launches are operating at the ghat today.  

BIWTC is requesting passengers to use Paturia-Daulatdia and Chandpur-Shariatpur ferry terminal due to the shortage of ferries on the Shimulia-Banglabazar route.