Vessel owners have suspended the operation of their boats, launches, and trawlers in protest against what they described as harassment by Department of Shipping.
As a result, local and foreign tourists arriving from different parts of the country are being forced to return home without visiting the Sundarbans.
According to sources, Department of Shipping (Khulna) dismantled and removed the upper structures of at least 30 boats stationed in the Mongla ferry terminal area.
Boat owners allege that this action damaged the appearance of the boats and destroyed comfortable seating arrangements for tourists. In protest against the move, affected boat owners announced an indefinite strike.
Since Monday morning, tourist entry and travel in the Sundarbans have remained completely suspended. Since early morning, tourists arriving at the Mongla Picnic Corner to visit the Sundarbans have been left stranded and compelled to turn back due to the strike.
Sajed Rahman, who came from Jashore with his family and neighbours, said, “We came to Mongla to visit the Sundarbans, but after getting off the vehicle we learned that all boats and other vessels—the only means of transport—are on strike. We are returning home disappointed.”
Tamanna Begum, who traveled from Dinajpur with her family, said, “On arrival here, we found that boat services remain suspended. We can’t go to the Sundarbans anymore, so we have no option but to return.”
RezauI Karim from Chuknagar in Khulna said, “There are 54 of us who came by one bus. On arrival, we found that all boat services to the Sundarbans are suspended. Our trip has become completely futile.”
Delwar Hossain, president of the Mongla Port Motorized Boatmen’s Association, said boat owners began the strike in protest against what they described as harassment by the Department of Shipping (Khulna). “Around 400 launches, jalibots, and trawlers are included in this strike,” he said.
He added that the Department of Shipping has imposed several conditions that are too expensive for boat owners to fulfill. “If this harassment does not stop, vessels bound for the Sundarbans will remain off the waterways,” he warned.
Azad Kabir, acting officer of the Karamjal Tourist Center in the Sundarbans, said no boats or tourists have been able to reach the centre since early Monday morning. “I have heard that the Department of Shipping conducted operations on tourist vessels on Sunday, which prompted boat owners to halt services,” he said.
Meanwhile, Rashidul Alam, an inspector of the Department of Shipping in Khulna, said the upper structures of the jaliboats were removed to ensure vessel stability and prevent accidents. “Our primary objective is to ensure the safety of tourists,” he said.