Chattogram Bureau :
The population of Sandwip, an island upazila of Chattogram district, is about four lakh. Due to its
geographical location, the river is
the only means of transportation to the mainland of the country during the day. Travel of islanders through six ferries from Chattogram and Noakhali. Due to lack of necessary arrangements, communication was completely lost after evening. Due to ownership disputes, unfit vessels and infrastructure problems, each ferry ghat is a battlefield for islanders.
At least, 23 people have lost their lives so far in 3three accidents across the river in the last five years.
The number of deaths in the last 42 years is 34. Passengers claim that even at the cost of so many lives, no benefit has come from the transportation system.
Due to excessive fares, incompetent drivers, lack of life jackets and fitness boats, the water transport system in Sandwip is very poor.
At one time the only means of sea transport for the Sandwip people was the ships of the BIWTA.
From Sadarghat in Chattogram, the steamer used to reach the ghat west of Sandwip with passengers. This route has been closed for about 10 years due to new seabed growth.