Staff Reporter :
Widespread concern is growing over unsafe river travel as desperate passengers continue to board unauthorized and risky vessels during ongoing disruptions to legal water transport services caused by monsoon-related rough weather.
With official launch and sea-truck services suspended under cautionary signal No. 3, many travelers—particularly post-Eid returnees—have turned to illegal trawlers and speedboats to cross dangerous river routes. These makeshift vessels often lack basic safety equipment, such as roofs, life jackets, or regulated capacity, posing serious threats to passenger lives.
Eyewitnesses report that many of these boats are operated without proper licensing and charge exorbitant fares, taking advantage of stranded commuters. Women, children, and elderly individuals have been seen braving strong currents and unstable conditions in their urgency to return to workplaces and homes.
Weather officials recorded over 67 mm of rainfall in the last 48 hours, accompanied by strong river winds, making river navigation increasingly hazardous.
In response, the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) has warned of strict legal action against those operating unauthorized vessels and has asked local law enforcement to crack down on illegal river transport.
Authorities are urging the public to prioritize safety and avoid unlicensed boat travel until official water services resume. “We understand the urgency, but risking lives in unsafe vessels is not the solution,” a BIWTA official stated.
The situation highlights long-standing concerns about river safety enforcement, particularly during the monsoon season, when weather-induced service suspensions are frequent and passenger demand remains high.
