Staff Reporter :
State Minister for Shipping Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury announced on Thursday, July 23, that all goods-laden vehicles in waterways, except those carrying cattle or perishable goods, will be suspended for seven days during Eid-ul-Adha.
This measure is intended to facilitate safe and efficient travel for home-bound people during the holiday.
Additionally, the movement of bulkhead vessels will be halted for 11 days starting from June 13.
This decision was made during a meeting at the secretariat regarding the movement of ferries, steamers, launches, and other vessels during Eid-ul-Adha, chaired by State Minister Chowdhury.
Following the meeting, the state minister emphasized that, as in previous years, measures have been taken to ensure safe travel for those heading home for Eid.
“All are working to ensure the safe transportation of sacrificial animal-carrying vessels,” he said.
Chowdhury also announced an increase in the number of ferries at the Kazirhat and Paturia terminals, as well as additional launches to accommodate the increased traffic.
“Some people always try to tarnish the government’s image by creating chaos in the waterways.
Therefore, orders have been given to increase intelligence surveillance on water routes,” he added.
He urged people to follow weather bulletins closely while transporting passengers and sacrificial animals during Eid, as the holiday falls during the rainy season.
However, the number of ferries in Kazirhat and Paturia ferry terminals will be increased while the number of launches will be increased.
Claiming that the Eid journey was safe last year, the minister said like the previous years, steps were taken so that the home-bound people can travel safely.
Besides, all are working to ensure safe transportation of sacrificial animal-carrying vessels, he said.
He also urged people to follow the weather bulletin regularly while transporting passengers and sacrificial animals during Eid.