Launch operators at Dhaka's Sadarghat are ready to ensure the utmost safety of passengers despite concerns over the low number of travellers heading to the southern regions of Bangladesh during the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr holidays.
In order to ensure safe and secure travel, the water vessels are being coloured and minor faults are being repaired at Sadarghat in Old Dhaka, and other dockyards.
Recently, it was announced by Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) and the Launch Owners' Association that no new launches will be added for this Eid holiday and the launch fares will not increase.
In this regard, launch operators said they are not worried about the number of passengers but are focused on ensuring the highest level of safety and passenger service.
Adequate safety equipment, including life jackets, has been prepared to ensure the safety of passengers, and measures are being taken to control fires with fire extinguishers.
Shahidul Islam Bhuiyan, general secretary of the Launch Owners Association has expressed concerns about a low number of passengers during the upcoming Eid holiday.
He said: "We are worried about the number of passengers. However, we expect the number to increase compared to last Eid, especially a few days before Eid.”
“We are fully prepared and there are no errors in our preparation. The launch owners are ensuring a secure journey for passengers. Many launches are being painted and repaired for better appearance and safety. Fire extinguishers, life jackets, and boats are all being prepared,” Bhuiyan added.
Sundarban-16 launch staff Shariful Islam said: “If passengers want a cabin, we are taking bookings from now. Because there was no demand for launch cabins last Eid, now we are taking bookings from those who are contacting us.”
At present, out of 107 waterways across the country, and among them, 43 routes connect from Sadarghat in Dhaka to various places in the southern part of Bangladesh
The number of launches operating on these waterways is around 200, and 87 launches run from Shimulia to Majhirkandi and Banglabazar.
Launch owners and commuters have also expressed concern over the traffic gridlock which is created at Gulistan zero point road almost every day.
According to them, even during normal days, it takes almost an hour to travel the 3km road, hence during Eid may take over three hours.
They have requested the authorities to take necessary measures for buses, trucks, and goods-carrying vehicles to avoid being on the road unsystematically during the time of Eid.
Two meetings were held under the leadership of State Minister for Shipping Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury on March 30 and BITWA Chairman Commodore Arif Ahmed Mostafa on April 5 to ensure a smooth Eid journey for travellers.
In the meeting, the leaders of the Launch Owners And Workers Federation called for measures to control traffic congestion from Gulistan to Sadarghat.
Shah Alam, president of the Bangladesh Shipping Workers' Federation, said: "There are fewer passengers now, but the launch workers have to survive. After the inauguration of Padma Bridge, the number of launch passengers decreased. It takes 4-5 hours to travel by road to the southern region. If it takes 3 hours to go from Gulistan to Sadarghat, how will we get passengers?”
Kabir Hossain, joint director of Dhaka port of BIWTA, said: “A monitoring team is being established to ensure a safe and hassle-free Eid journey. The team will prevent unfit launches from operating and ensure that all launches have the necessary safety equipment such as fire extinguishers, buoys, and life jackets.”
He added that two meetings have already been held between the Ministry of Shipping and BIWTA, and more meetings will be conducted in the future. “Based on the decisions taken in the meetings, instructions will be given to the launch owners, and necessary preparations will be made.”
