Shipping Ministry to run special launch services from 17 Mar for Eid

The Ministry of Shipping has introduced a special passenger service on waterways ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr to ensure safe, smooth and comfortable travel for homebound passengers.

Under the arrangement, launch and steamer services will operate on several river routes from Shimulia Tourist Ghat and Basila Launch Ghat in Dhaka from 17 March, the ministry said in statement on Thursday.

Vessels will run on Shimulia–Demra–Narayanganj–Chandpur–Kaliganj–Hijla–Barishal route from Shimulia Tourist Ghat located near Kanchan Bridge, it said.

Besides, passenger transport services will operate on the Basila–Sadarghat–Munshiganj–Chandpur–Eidga Ferry Ghat and Shariatpur–Ilisha–Hakimuddin–Golachipa routes from Basila Launch Ghat near Basila Bridge.

The ministry has issued necessary instructions to the relevant authorities to ensure that the Eid journey remains safe and well organised.

Preparations have already been taken to maintain passenger safety and ensure quality services on waterways, reads the statement.

Passengers travelling by waterways have been requested to contact the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) hotline at 16113 for any emergency or service-related assistance.