Staff shortage disrupts ferry operations in Barishal

Barishal’s ferry service is struggling with a severe manpower shortage, with 60 of the 70 approved posts vacant, raising concerns over service disruptions amid growing traffic pressure and the approaching winter fog season.

Only 10 employees are currently working in the ferry division of the Roads and Highways Department (RHD), leaving nearly 86% of its approved positions unfilled.

The shortage has hampered ferry operations, technical supervision, repairs and maintenance. As a result, repairing ferries damaged in accidents or affected by mechanical faults often takes longer, disrupting services.

According to RHD data, only three employees are working against 12 approved posts in the main ferry division, leaving nine vacancies. In the sub-division, seven employees are working against 58 posts, with 51 positions vacant.

The shortage is particularly acute in technical and field-level positions. Only two employees are working against eight heavy vehicle driver posts, while just one person is available against six assistant mechanic posts.

Several other key positions, including assistant electricians, machinists, welders, fitters, painters and helpers, also remain vacant.

The limited workforce has to shoulder additional responsibilities to keep ferry services operational. Although some workers are temporarily hired to ease the pressure, the arrangement has proved insufficient.

Ferries play a vital role in communication across several river routes in Barishal, carrying passengers and vehicles transporting agricultural produce and other goods.

Service disruptions become more frequent during Eid and other festivals when traffic increases. Dense winter fog also raises concerns over ferry operations and the risk of accidents. With winter approaching, the manpower shortage has heightened fears of further disruptions on the routes.

Syed Ehte Shamul Hossain, executive engineer of the RHD’s Barishal Ferry Division, said adverse weather, accidents and mechanical faults often caused prolonged service interruptions because of the shortage of workers.

“It takes a lot of time to restore ferry services after adverse weather, accidents or mechanical problems due to the manpower shortage. As a result, the desired level of service is sometimes disrupted. We have to keep operations running with limited manpower,” he said.