Passengers face hassles at Barishal Launch Terminal

Heavy rush of passengers returning to the capital after Eid resulted in overcrowded launches and people missing their transport at Barishal Launch Terminal yesterday.

A total of 21 launches left for Dhaka yesterday, but many passengers missed their transport as some vessels were forced to leave the terminal earlier than the scheduled time.

Kaniz Sultana, a garment worker, said passengers board overcrowded launches as there is no alternative promising low fares and an easy journey, that too without affecting their schedule for rejoining work.

Anwarul Islam, a private company official, who came to the terminal from Mehendiganj upazila with his family, said he managed to secure a small space for themselves on the deck of Parabat-11 by paying Tk 200 to a person who reserves space.

“I could not get a cabin so I am staying on the launch deck with my family. I chose this because journey by water is safer than road,” said Rezaul Islam, a businessman.

Ajmol Huda Mithu, deputy director (marine safety and river traffic) of Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority at Barishal River Port, said as per their estimate, more than two lakh individuals arrived in Barishal via waterways to observe Eid this year.

“A large number of people left Barishal via waterways without any problem. A control room was opened at the terminal to monitor the situation and volunteers helped the authorities for safe boarding of women, children and elders,” he added.

Administrative officials, police and Rab were on-duty to tackle the situation.

Cabin passengers of the launches were requested to take seat from 3pm, 5-6 hours before the scheduled time as authorities requested overcrowded launches to leave the station 2-3 hours ahead of schedule.

Saidur Rahman Rintu, vice president of Barishal Launch Owners Association, acknowledging the facts, said authorities put a stated limit of 750-1300 passengers for each of the 16 triple-decker launches plying regularly or on Eid on Barishal-Dhaka route.

However, those that plied yesterday carried 2,500-3,500 passengers, Rintu said. Authorities assured that the launches are capable of carrying that many passengers but the limit is there to provide ample space for everyone’s convenience.