Hundreds of motorcyclists were seen crossing the Padma River in trawlers as authorities banned launches from carrying two-wheelers as well as on highways.
As many as 20-25 motorcycles were seen crossing in a trawler at Shimulia Bazar Ghat in Munshiganj’s Louhjong upazila on Thursday.
People are being charged Tk600 for crossing each motorcycle amid the ban.
Nazimuddin, a motorcyclist, said: “I have left for Barisal to celebrate Eid with my family. There is no ferry available in the ghat and movement of motorcycles on Padma Bridge is also banned. As a result, I have to cross the river in trawlers.”
Another taveller, Nadeem Mahmud expressed his frustration by saying: “I went to Dhaka for treatment. But I can’t return with my bike as motorcycles are banned on plying on highways from today. Now I have to cross the river in trawler with my ailing mother.”
Utpal Das, sub-inspector of Hasara Highway Police, said the movement of motorcycles are not allowed from one district to another as per government directives. Law enforcement agencies have increased the number of patrols to ensure the directive.
Padma Bridge North police station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Mohammad Alamgir Hossain said legal action will be taken if anyone violates the government directives.
Such a decision has been taken to reduce the number of accidents during the Eid travel, he added.
Abu Taher Mia, officer-in-charge of Mawa Naval Police Station, said there is no such information of crossing motorcycles in trawlers from Shimulia ghat. However, strict action will be taken if motorcycles are seen crossing the river in trawler.
