Shipping Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam on Thursday warned that anyone charging extra fare on waterways during the upcoming Eid holidays will face strict action.
“If even one taka is charged beyond the approved fare, legal action will be taken against the owner and driver, including cancellation of the route permit and vessel licence,†he said at a preparatory meeting at the Shipping Ministry in the afternoon.
The minister said passenger pressure on water routes increases significantly during Eid. "Ensuring safe, orderly and smooth travel for passengers is a top government priority."
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He instructed that the BIWTA-approved fare list must be clearly displayed at all river ports, terminals, wharves and vessels.
He also warned that carrying extra passengers or goods on launches is strictly prohibited, and passengers must not be allowed on the roof. Allegations of overcharging or carrying extra passengers or goods will be investigated, and violators will face cancellation of route permits and licences, he said.
The Minister said that the mobile courts will operate at ferry, launch and speedboat piers to enforce the rules.
“To prevent accidents, sand-carrying bulkheads and dinghies will be banned from March 16 to March 25. Speedboats will not operate at night, and authorities will strictly enforce life jacket use during the day,†he added.
From March 17 to March 24, crossings by ordinary trucks and covered vans will be banned, except for vehicles carrying daily necessities and perishable goods, to ensure uninterrupted passenger transport.
Authorities have been directed to keep the road from Zero Point in Dhaka to Sadarghat free of traffic jams from the 15th of Ramadan to the third day after Eid. Traffic police, naval police, Ansar and community police will coordinate to manage the Sadarghat area, he said.
The minister further said the unfit vessels and ferries have been banned from operating, and all vessels must follow the scheduled timings.
Passengers will not be allowed to board mid-river, and repeated violations will be dealt with legally.
Besides, patrols will be increased at night to prevent robbery, extortion, and harassment of passengers.
At least four Ansar members will be deployed on each launch from the 15th of Ramadan to the third day after Eid. A vigilance team will be formed at each ghat by the district and upazila administration, police, naval police, and coast guard. Minister Rabiul added that a central monitoring team will also oversee the overall situation.
Rescue vessels will be on standby, and the fire service and civil defence at key river ports have been instructed to remain alert. Floating naval fire stations will be set up if necessary. Eddy areas at the mouths of the Meghna and Dakatia rivers in Chandpur will be marked, and navigable channels on other rivers will be clearly indicated.Â
"Necessary excavation, pontoons and wharf improvements will be undertaken to keep all river routes operational," he said.
Special facilities for women, children and disabled passengers—including drinking water, sanitation, mobile charging points and breastfeeding corners—will be provided at river ports and terminals. All river ports, including Sadarghat, will be kept clean, and anti-smoking awareness campaigns will be strengthened.
The minister also requested phased leave for garment and knitwear sector workers in Dhaka and Gazipur to prevent sudden passenger surges.
BRTC feeder bus services will be arranged to transport passengers from launches and ferry piers to the country’s interior.
Shaikh Rabiul Alam emphasised that no irregularities or disorder will be tolerated during the Eid journey. Passengers are urged to contact the national emergency service 999 or the BIWTA hotline 16113 in case of emergencies.
The meeting was attended by state ministers, secretaries, senior officials, heads of subordinate departments, district administration representatives, and officials from the Bangladesh Police, Coast Guard, Naval Police and Fire Service.