Passenger launch and sea-truck services on Bhola-Lakshmipur waterway remained suspended for three consecutive days on Friday due to inclement weather under the influence of monsoon depression, causing immense suffering to thousands of commuters.

The Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) suspended vessel operations on the route following the hoisting of local cautionary signal No- 3.

From early Friday morning, large crowds, including women, children, and elderly passengers, were seen waiting at Bhola’s Ilisha launch terminal in hopes of reaching their destinations.

With no launches or sea-trucks in operation, many passengers, desperate to travel, have been crossing the turbulent waters on small, risky trawlers and speedboats, defying the ban and risking their lives.

Local residents said illegal trawlers without roofs or safety measures have been ferrying passengers while charging high fares.

Heavy rush of post-Eid returnees at Bhola launch terminals

Passengers expressed frustration saying that they were already neglected as Bhola residents. Many of them work in factories in Chattogram and must report back on time.

Bhola’s Meteorological Office recorded 67.41mm of rainfall in the past 48 hours and wind speeds of three nautical miles per hour, prompting ports to hoist cautionary signal no.

Md Jasim Uddin, BIWTA traffic official in the district, said legal action will be taken if anyone violates the restriction.

Authorities have asked law enforcement to crack down on unauthorized trawler operations, he said.