Launch services on the Shimulia-Banglabazar route have been suspended for an indefinite period from Saturday evening due to stormy weather. However, the ferries on the route were operating as usual, said Shafiqul Islam, assistant director-general of Bangladesh Inland and Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC). Read: Over 500 vehicles stranded at Narsinghpur ferry ghat Besides, passengers stranded at the launch ghats have been instructed to cross the ferry. The authorities suspended the launch services from 7 pm on Saturday due to the upcoming nor'wester, locally known as Kal-Baisakhi. BIWTA Assistant Director and Mawa Port Officer, Shahadat Hossain said the launch services on this route will remain suspended until further notice. 85 launches were operating on these routes from 6 am to 8 pm but it was running till 10 pm due to Eid.