The authorities concerned have not provided any additional launches for the Bhola-Lakshmipur route despite the Eid season, pushing passengers towards using small trawlers for going home for the holidays.
Passengers are being forced to use the trawlers due to the launch crisis, said Ilisha River Police Officer-in-Charge Mohammad Shahjalal.
But regular operations are being carried out to stop the illegal passenger trawlers, he added.
According to sources, this route is an easy means of communication between Bhola and 21 districts of the southwestern part of the country, which is why the people of those areas use the waterway.
As this part of the Meghna River is in the sea area, only vessels permitted by the Department of Shipping are allowed to operate in it.
At present, two sea trucks and a launch are operating on this route, but the passenger pressure is only going to increase from here.
Shahidul Islam, assistant director of Bhola naval port, said that three more launches will start operating soon to reduce the suffering of homebound people ahead of Eid.
