PS Mahsud, an iconic vessel with century-old history, returned to the river on Saturday with a grand inauguration ceremony on the banks of the Buriganga.

Shipping Adviser Brigadier General (Rtd) Dr M Sakhawat Hussain inaugurated the renovated steamer, saying, “PS Mahsud is not just a vessel; it is a living symbol of Bangladesh’s riverine culture and heritage.”

The vessel went for a day-long excursion, which returned to Dhaka Sadarghat after a journey through the Shitalakkhya and Meghna estuary.

The event featured multiple documentaries and a cultural performance, highlighting the paddle steamer’s historical journey and Bangladesh's rich riverine heritage.

According to officials concerned, the steamer will operate once a week, allowing travelers to enjoy the natural beauty along the riverbanks—which was evident during the Saturday cruise.

The Buriganga’s edges are lined with brick kilns and marked by encroachment. But once the city is left behind, travelers are greeted by lush greenery and the refreshing beauty of the riverbanks.

Regarding the Buriganga's current condition, the shipping adviser said the river is in very poor condition due to different causes beyond encroachment. Many areas are illegally occupied, and attempts to clear them often face resistance.

The story behind

The PS Mahsud has witnessed nearly a century of river travel after being built in 1928 at Kolkata’s Garden Reach Workshop. The steam engine of the steamer was converted to diesel in 1983 with Belgian assistance and upgraded to a mechanical gear system in 1995 at Narayanganj dockyard.

According to the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority, the vessel underwent major repairs in 2020–21, and its hull and superstructure were restored in mid-2025 with the replacement of steel plates, installation of two new generators—without altering its historic identity.

Why renovation?

The PS Mahsud was renovated to preserve history for the next generation and promote river tourism, officials say.

The orange-hued vessel has established a Heritage Corner, which showcases antique naval equipment, memorabilia of distinguished passengers, and artifacts from the steamer’s century-long journey.

The shipping adviser said, “Once the river was the lifeline of our culture and communication, but the heritage is under threat. We want to preserve it for the new generation so that they can see it.”

Echoing him, the Shipping Secretary Dr Nurun Nahar Chowdhury said, “We are also working on the other century-old steamers we have.”

The vessels, including PS Mahsud—a rare living river heritage, have inspired literature, cinema, and art for decades.

It featured in Shahaduz Zaman’s short stories Moulik and Saipras, the drama film Komola Rocket by Nur Imran Mithu, the 2019 film Fagun Hawa by Toukir Ahmed, and Giasuddin Selim’s Swapnajaal.

Historically, vessels from the Joint Steamer Company, similar to PS Mahsud, were used in India during the First and Second World Wars, and also served in Iraq during World War I.

What’s new onboard

The renovated steamer didn’t lose its original structure and historic design but comes with significant upgrades, with international-standard safety equipment including lifeboats, fire-safety systems, and GPS; a low-smoke emission engine to reduce river pollution; and a 25-member trained crew for smooth operation.

The vessel also offers three categories of accommodation. First-class air-conditioned cabins feature two beds and an outdoor sitting area, while the second category also offers cabin facilities. The 22 cabins can accommodate 44 travelers, while the third category contains chairs for around 50 passengers.

The vessel will run once a week on Dhaka to Barisal route. The journey will start on Fridays from Dhaka, and the steamer will return to Dhaka on Saturday from Barisal. The shipping adviser named the journey as the “Heritage Journey.”

The proposed fares are – Tk6,000 for first-class cabin, Tk4,500 for second-class cabin, and Tk2,000 per passenger for chair seating.

Travelers can also enjoy traditional dishes, including fish cutlets, hilsa, and fried fish.

Passengers arriving in Barisal can also spend the night onboard, making it a full cultural and historical experience.

Asked why they chose the Dhaka-Barisal route, the shipping adviser said, “The people of Barisal have a deep emotional connection with the steamer, as they were totally dependent on these vessels in the past.”

Stating that the steamer will contribute to new tourism opportunities, the BIWTC Chairman Md Salim Ullah said, “People from the Khulna–Barisal region would always ask about this vessel, which is now operational again.”

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