Launch operations have been suspended on nine coastal routes connecting the Bhola region with other parts of the country, including Barisal.
The Meteorological Office has warned that moderate to heavy rain with gusty winds may occur at various places in the southern region. It has asked the seaports of Chittagong, Cox's Bazar, Mongla, and Payra to hoist warning signal number 3. Since 11am on Wednesday, the signal has been in effect due to the adverse weather conditions.
Fishing boats and trawlers in the Bay of Bengal have been advised to stay close to the coast and exercise caution until further notice.
The Meteorological Office has forecast light to moderate rain or thundershowers with gusty winds at many places in Khulna, Barisal, and Sylhet divisions, and at some places in Rangpur, Rajshahi, Dhaka, Mymensingh, and Chittagong divisions by 6pm Wednesday.
BIWTA Bhola River Port Inspector Jasim Uddin said coastal waters have become turbulent due to low pressure, prompting authorities to suspend launch operations at Tazumuddin Charfesson, Hatia, and several other points connecting Dhaka and other regions.
Meanwhile, ferry operations on these routes also remained suspended at the time of reporting.
Bhola River Port Officer Riyad Hossain added that passenger-carrying water transport operations on all routes connecting Bhola—except the Elisha-Lakshmipur route—have been suspended indefinitely. “Services will resume once the weather improves,” he said.