LATEST
Why December? Come tomorrow Law Minister Md Asaduzzaman and other guests attend the launching of a book titled ‘Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami: Its History and Politics’, written by late Barrister Abdur Razzak, held at a hotel in the capital on Friday. Even light rain causes waterlogging on roads in the capital’s Matuail area due to the inadequate drainage system managed by Dhaka South City Corporation, creating potential mosquito breeding grounds and raising concerns over dengue. The photo was taken on Friday. National Citizen Party (NCP) leaders and activists form a human chain on Manik Mia Avenue in front of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban on Friday, protesting what they allege are human rights violations, suppression of dissent and curbs on citizens’ fundamental rights under the BNP government. Demanding Fertiliser Disgruntled farmers block road Large investment coming to HSIA over 3rd Terminal 79 dengue deaths in Sept first 17 days Nahid blames PM as emerging ‘new authoritarian’ Long march to Rangpur today
Skip to content

Saturday | September 19, 2026 | Dhaka

Anomalies persist at Rupsha Ghat

 Ahsanul Amin George, Khulna
 Published: 12:01 AM, 19 September 2026

Complaints of irregularities, alleged overcharging and passenger harassment at Rupsha Ghat in Khulna have prompted local lawmaker Azizul Bari Helal to raise the issue at a district law and order meeting.

Following his complaints, Law Minister Mohammad Asaduzzaman, who is in charge of Khulna, directed the district administration to conduct a mobile court at the ghat and take necessary action.

In line with the directive, an executive magistrate conducted an inspection at Rupsha Ghat from 3:30pm to 4:30pm on Wednesday. The magistrate monitored whether passengers were being subjected to irregularities or harassment and warned the people concerned.

However, passengers said the inspection did not bring any visible change to the situation.
At the law and order committee meeting held at the Khulna Deputy Commissioner’s Office on Monday, Helal expressed his frustration over the ghat’s management.

“Rupsha Ghat is the biggest problem for me. I have raised the issue with the police commissioner, the DIG, and the current and former SPs,” he said.

“There is rampant irregularity at the ghat. Even if someone crosses with a bag, they are charged for it. If someone carries a chicken, they are charged for that too,” he said.

The MP also assured the meeting that a ferry service would be brought back to the ghat within two weeks to ease public suffering.

Passengers using the ghat alleged that they are charged even for personal belongings and household items.

Mahmud Sheikh said, “Even if I buy a new blender and carry it across, I have to pay money at the ghat.”
Farid Ahmed said passengers have to pay even when carrying their own clothes in a bag.

Mahfuz Hossain demanded that the toll be restored to Tk 1 per person, as it was previously.
Other passengers also alleged being charged for various items. Jewel Howlader said he had to pay Tk 20 to carry a motorcycle tyre. Nasir Uddin said he was charged Tk 20-30 for carrying a fan, while Zakir Mridha said he paid Tk 30 for a table fan.

The ghat authorities, however, said they are collecting tolls for goods in accordance with the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) tariff list.

According to local users, the ghat had long charged Tk 1 per passenger, Tk 5 for a motorcycle and Tk 2 for a bicycle. After the 2024 uprising, control of the ghat was taken over by the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC). The previous toll rates were initially retained but were later doubled, they alleged.

Passengers also complained about the operation of trawlers at the ghat. They alleged that trawler operators charge Tk 5 instead of the Tk 4 fare and carry excessive numbers of passengers.

According to the complaints, each trawler carries around 30-35 passengers during the day and as many as 40-50 at night.

Passengers who protest against the practice sometimes face physical assault, locals alleged.
The latest mobile court inspection came amid growing complaints from passengers and local residents seeking stricter monitoring and a transparent toll system at the busy river crossing.