"Following the directives of the government to stem the spread of Covid-19, BIWTC has suspended the ferry services. However, the goods-laden vessels can cross the rivers at night,” said Nazrul.

 

The sudden suspension of ferry services has caused immense sufferings to home-bound people ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr. Those who hired small vessels to go to their native villages to celebrate Eid with their families have been hit hard.

 

Mohammad Khorshed Alam, assistant manager of BIWTC at Daulatdia port, said that ferry services were suspended as per the orders of the Shipping Ministry. "In case of an emergency, we can operate one or two ferries for crossing the river."

 

In fact, huge pressure of vehicles and passengers was witnessed on the Daulatdia-Paturia route in the past couple of days, especially on Friday,  as people were heading homes, taking advantage of the two-day government holiday.

 

Mohammad Zillur Rahman of BIWTC, said, “The decision has been taken to prevent the spread of coronavirus."