Hundreds of vehicles, including buses and trucks, were stuck on roads for hours as the ferry service on the Mawa-Kawrakandi route were suspended for 20 hours because of a gigantic wave in the Padma River.
Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation Manager Sirajul Haque said ferry service on the Mawa-Kewrakandi route had remained suspended from 8pm on Sunday because of a strong current in the river.
According to the BIWTA a total of 14 ferries out of 17 are plying on the route. Later, ferry service was partially restored as seven ferries started plying the route around 9am yesterday.
But three ferries – Faridpur, Dhaka and Karnaphuli – are yet to start operation. “I have been waiting here for the 20 hours but failed to cross the river. I don’t know when I will get the chance,” said Sufia Khatun, who was waiting on the Mawa point yesterday morning.
Jakir Kawsar, a resident of Tongibari upazila, said he wanted to go to Gopalganj on a business trip. “Now I am returning home having seen the condition of ferry service,” he said.
Sirajul Haque said the gigantic wave was created because of rise in the water level in the river.
Heavy downpour also contributed to the sufferings of passengers, he said, adding that Eid passengers would have to suffer if the inclement weather continued.