Hundreds of homebound passengers are suffering as ferry movement through the Goduria terminal in Bhola is taking an extra eight to ten hours more than the usual time.
After the Ilisha ferry terminal in Bhola was transferred to Goduria, ferries are not being able to reach Mojuchowdhuryhat ferry terminal in Lakshmipur on time.
Seeing no other way, hundreds of people coming from the northern zone are taking engine-run boats and trawlers to reach destinations through the mighty Meghna River.
Barisal-bound passenger Kamal Hossain said: “I did not get a ferry even after waiting for two days. So on Monday I started with my wife and children risking our lives.”
Poly Akter from Chittagong said: “Even after waiting a whole day I did not get any ferry or launch, so I started for Bhola on an engine-run boat. Though it is risky, I could not find an alternative way.”
Manager of Mojuchowdhury Hut Ferry Terminal Md Foysal said: “As the ferry terminal was transferred to Geduria, the ferries leaving for Mojuchowdhury terminal are taking eight to ten hours more than the usual time. Same amount of time is spent to reach Lakshmipur terminal from there. So, passengers travelling on the river route are facing hassles.”
Due to mismanagement in the schedule, hundreds of passengers coming from remote areas are bearing the brunt. Two ferries leave the Goduria ghat in between 5am and 6am and return around 1:30am the next day.
Ferry movement remains at a halt at night. Therefore, only a few vehicles are able to cross the ghat while most of the passenger and goods laden vehicles wait for hours to reach the Mojuchowdhuryhut ferry terminal.
People of different ages, ignoring the adverse weather, have set out for Bhola and Barisal on small boats and trawlers through the mighty flows of Meghna River.
Boats are restricted to ply through the Meghna estuary as it is considered a danger zone during this season. Accidents may occur any time.