The government has taken all necessary measures to ensure smooth journey of homebound people during the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr holidays, State Minister for Shipping Khalid Mahmud said.
The state minister made the remarks while visiting Paturia and Daulatdia ferry terminals in Manikganj on Wednesday to observe the overall situation there.
He said: "The government is committed to ensuring safe movement of passengers during the biggest festival of the Muslims."
Expressing satisfaction over the steps taken by the local administration, in collaboration with Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC) and Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA), Khalid said the government has undertaken dredging of 10,000 km of waterways for smooth journey and transportation of goods.
All the ferries have been renovated and additional vessels have been added to the fleet, he said, adding: "Currently, 20 ferries are running on the Paturia-Daulatdia route, and they will continue operating during Eid."
Comprehensive preparations have been made to streamline the waterways of the country, said the state minister.
"Steps have been taken to free the highways from traffic jams, to ensure hassle-free journey of the homegoers," he added.
The state minister was accompanied by Shipping Secretary Md Abdus Samad, BIWTA Chairman Commodore M Mahbub-ul Islam, Bangladesh Inland BIWTC Chairman Pranay Kanti Biswas, and Deputy Commissioner of Manikganj SM Ferdous.