With the opening of export-oriented garment factories and industrial units amid strict restrictions, the inland water transport authorities have extended the operating hours for launches to facilitate the return of workers.
The Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) has allowed launches to operate till 6am on Monday due to excessive rush of passengers.
Also Read - Garment workers rush to workplaces as factories reopen Sunday amid lockdown
Initially, it was announced that the launches would run till 12pm on Sunday, but it was extended till 6am Monday, the BIWTA authorities confirmed.
There are still a lot of people on the streets, said a BIWTA official. Not everyone was able to reach their destination, which is why it has been decided to operate the launches till Monday morning, added the official.
Launches from Chandpur, Shariatpur, Bhola, Muladi and Barguna have been running to the Sadarghat river port in Dhaka since the government’s announcement, BIWTA Inspector Dinesh Kumar Saha told the media.
