Even though Bangladesh Meteorological Department has advised all maritime ports to keep danger signals hoisted, Mongla port is still reportedly operating passenger vessels on Monday.
One trawler after another were seen leaving ghats with passengers, including fishing trawlers, reports Bangla Tribune.
Sakhawat Akon, a boatman, said that he made at least 20 trips since morning. “Most of the passengers were female. They all work in EPZ,” he said.
When asked why he brought out his trawler in this stormy weather he said: “There is no alternative as we don't have any food at home. I will have to buy essentials with whatever I can earn.”
Agreeing with his opinion, another boatman, Ibrahim Hossain, said that fear does not work when there is hunger. “We are helpless to it,” he said.
Bangla TribuneKhalilur Rahman, member of “Mongla Majhi Malla Sangha” said that they could not do anything about the cyclone.
About 160 boatmen were operating in the river with 20 trawlers. “They were also forced to work as they have to provide food to their family.”
Hundreds of women workers were returning from EPZ at 1:30pm through trawlers. Among them, Rina Begum and BIlkis Akhter said If they did not go to the factory, their attendance would not have been counted.
The Executive Director of Mongla EPZ Mahbub Ahmed Siddiq told Bangla Tribune: "We have asked all the factories to close after receiving the warning letter on Monday afternoon. All the factories are now closed.”
Mongla Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Kamlesh Majumder said that everyone was requested to go to the shelter after the danger signal was issued. “Besides, all the boats were ordered to stop operating in the morning, including the ferries,” he said.
“If we see any trawlers operating in this weather, we will take actions,” he added.
Meanwhile, coastal residents are rushing to the 103 shelters since Monday morning.
Mongla district administration has arranged dry food for them. Three separate control rooms have been opened by Mongla port authority, municipality and upazila administration.
Bangla TribuneAs cyclonic storm Sitrang approaches Bangladesh, Maritime ports of Mongla and Payra have been advised to lower local cautionary signal number four and to hoist danger signal no 7.
The cyclone is likely to hit the coast of Bangladesh early Tuesday.
The Met Office bulletin has asked all fishing boats and trawlers over North Bay and deep sea to remain in shelter till further notice.
People also have been requested to take shelter through vigilant miking.
