The number of passengers has dropped drastically at Sadarghat Launch Terminal on the second day of the three-day blockade enforced by BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami.
Like bus terminals and train stations, the number of passengers was low on Wednesday.
One, Shima Akhter, who came to the terminal to go to Barisal with her 16-year old granddaughter Shahida as her father died there, said that immediately after hearing news of the death, they went to a bus stand.
But as there were no bus leaving at that time, she came to the launch terminal.
Mentioning that it will take more time, she added: “If there are not enough passengers on the launch, it will delay more, but what can I do? Anyhow, we have to reach Barisal.”
The shortage of passengers has made it challenging to operate launch services.
Meanwhile, as the number of passengers has dropped during the three-day blockade, the launches are moving with passengers of two launches, according to staff of the launches.
Sajal, a launch staff of “Parabat-19” said that the number of passengers is very low due to the blockade.
This launch can carry 7,000 passengers, but it is uncertain whether there will be 300 passengers now.
On Tuesday, “Surovi-7” had to leave for Barisal with only 150 passengers.
Alamgir Kabir, joint convener of Dhaka river port, said that 39 launches left and 52 launches arrived at Sadarghat from 12am to 12pm on Tuesday.
On Wednesday, 29 launches arrived and 12 launches left Sadarghat till 2pm from 12am.
Passengers of two launches are being carried in one launch due to shortage. Launches are being operated mostly on Dhaka-Bhola, Hatia, Chandpur routes, said the official.
He also said that although there were not many passengers in the launch on Tuesday morning, 40 launches left the terminal after 4pm. The scenario is the same on Wednesday.
Alamgir Kabir expected that the number of passengers would increase after 4pm.
Regarding security at the launch terminals, he said that passengers are being checked at the entrance of the terminal. So the number of gates has been reduced.
Besides, 50-60 CCTVs are operational there. Moreover, there is no chance of any problem on the river route.
“However, we have strengthened the security system. It will continue in the future,” he added further.