‘Naval route permits to be cancelled for overcharging’

Staff Reporter :

The government has issued a stern warning against passenger vessels charging fares beyond the fixed rates, stating that violators will face not only fines but also the cancellation of their route permits.

Brig Gen (retd) M Sakhawat Hossain, the Shipping Adviser, made the announcement on Thursday following a preparatory meeting with stakeholders at the secretariat.

The meeting focused on ensuring safety on waterways ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr 2025.

The adviser emphasized that all passenger vessels must adhere to the government-fixed fare rates, with a fare chart publicly displayed.

Authorities will strictly monitor compliance, ensuring no vessel departs without maintaining the designated serial or exceeding the approved passenger capacity.

Picking up passengers from unauthorized locations will also be prohibited.

To enforce these measures, law enforcement agencies will conduct regular monitoring, with the navy assisting in operations.

However, the adviser instructed security forces to avoid unnecessary checks that could cause delays.

Additionally, vessels will not be allowed to operate without valid fitness certificates, and exceeding speed limits will be strictly prohibited.

Addressing congestion at Sadarghat, he warned that illegal vehicles causing disruption will be removed using wreckers if necessary.

The new regulations will take effect from the 15th of Ramadan. Speedboats will not be permitted to operate at night, and bulkhead vessels carrying sand will be restricted from navigating five days before and after Eid.

Furthermore, buses will not be allowed to board ferries with passengers inside, ensuring safety during peak travel periods.

These measures aim to improve passenger safety and maintain order in Bangladesh’s waterways ahead of the Eid rush.