Sadarghat, one of the country's largest river ports, was once notorious for daily occurrences of extortion, drug dealing, illegal gambling and the unchecked activities of porters.
However, following the recent change in government, the situation at Sadarghat has drastically improved, bringing relief to passengers, local residents and businesses.
Passenger numbers, however, remain relatively low for now.
A recent visit to Sadarghat and its surrounding areas revealed a reduction in the prices of some items in nearby shops, along with changes in food portions.
Extortion, previously rampant at the terminal, has now ceased.
Groups of porters, who used to forcibly extort passengers using various tactics, are no longer seen at the port.
Drug dealing in the open, once common in the area, has also stopped, although some believe that illegal activities continue in secret.
An official of MV Sonar Tori 3 told Dhaka Tribune that such a disciplined situation at Sadarghat was unprecedented.
"Previously, drug addicts and dealers were a common sight here, but now they are nowhere to be seen. Launch fares are now being charged according to government regulations, leaving no room for any wrongdoing."
Meanwhile, Abdul Karim, a fruit vendor, expressed relief, saying: "We are much better off now.
“A significant portion of our profits used to go to extortionists. They demanded Tk100 from every shop. From entering to leaving Sadarghat, we had to face extortion. But now, there is no such thing. I am living peacefully, and no one is taking a share of my profits."
Jarif Hasan, a waiter at a local food stall, said: "We had to keep food prices high due to the extra costs of goods and extortion. While the prices of goods have not dropped much yet, extortion has decreased, allowing us to increase food portions. If goods become cheaper, we will lower food prices as well."
Hasan Mia, a businessman who frequently travels to Sadarghat, shared his experience saying the launch terminal used to be synonymous with corruption and extortion.
“There is no longer any corruption in fares, and the extortionists who made life miserable for ordinary people are gone."
Textile trader Tariqul Islam also noted the change, claiming local students would forcibly collect extortion from him, threatening if he did not comply. “But now, no one comes to collect extortion. We are very relieved."
Md.Soleman, assistant director of the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority’s Marine Safety and Traffic Management Department, said the BIWTA had been working to stop extortion and other irregularities at Sadarghat for some time.
“This progress will continue, and we will take further steps as needed to maintain control."
Sub-Inspector Al Amin of Sadarghat river police station confirmed that there was no extortion at Sadarghat now.
However, he claimed drug dealing had never been an issue at the terminal before and that the matter remained under control.