The picturesque yellow-orange paddle steamers started carrying passengers on the southern marine route from Dhaka -- touching Chandpur, Barisal and Pirojpur -- 150 years ago. But the authorities have suspended the country's largest steamer service, taking the last six vessels of the fleet away from the country's riverine tradition.
The British-era paddle steamers Ostrich, Mahsud, Turn, Lepcha and MV Shela were built between 1935 and 1948, and were refurbished in 1995. Later, MV Madhumati was added to the fleet. Popularly known as “rocket-steamer service”, it had been the most preferred one during stormy and tourist seasons.
The state-run Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC) cited “operational loss” as the key reason behind the decision, leaving regular passengers and elderly people of the southern region in a state of shock. Officials say the lack of passengers and a sharp rise in fuel prices forced them to announce the suspension of service.
However, the rocket steamers will be seen on special occasions, like the Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Azha festivals.
While talking to Dhaka Tribune, regular passengers and civil society representatives demanded that the BIWTC continue the service and improve facilities to preserve the history and heritage of the southern region and connect more points of this riverine region.
They said more budgetary allocation was needed to compete with the private launch owners, who spend crores of taka every year to attract more passengers and revive the sector.
Passengers said the authorities should resume the service with skilled manpower and proper management for the smooth movement of people in the southern region using the service.
The decision has also gave rise to frustration among officials, employees, and small businesses associated with the rocket-steamer service.
The river transport owners have been facing a challenging time since the inauguration of the Padma Bridge in June last year, as the people of the southern region now opt for the road link for a quicker journey.
Factors behind closure
For the last few years, the rocket-steamer service has faced various obstacles, including loss of navigability at different points of the route and a lack of passengers. Owing to low navigability, the route was shortened from Dhaka to Morelganj in Bagerhat.
Assistant General Manager of BIWTC Barisal office Khan Mohammad Imran (Ruhan) said that after the inauguration of the Padma Bridge, the steamer service received a minimum of six to a maximum of 28 passengers from Barisal to Dhaka.
Due to the shortage of passengers, three steamers were removed from the fleet on September 17, 2022 to prevent losses. On the last day's journey, the steamer came to Barisal with 104 passengers and left for Dhaka with only 28 passengers. The cabins were empty.
“Soon after the inauguration of the Padma Bridge, there was a major impact on the steamer service. And in the meantime, the price of fuel oil has increased. Because of this, about ten officials and employees have been transferred from this office,” he added.