Launch services suspended on Munshiganj routes fearing nor'wester

Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) suspended operations of 85 launches on the Shimulia-Majhikandi, Madaripur-Banglabazar and Sharaitpur-Majhikandi river routes this evening fearing possible nor'wester on the Padma river.

The movement of the launches was halted from around 7pm, said Md Shahadat Hossain, assistant director (Maritime Security and Traffic Management) of BIWTA at Shimulia ghat.

The launch operation will resume after the weather condition normalises, our Munshiganj correspondent reports quoting Shahadat Hossain, also assistant port and transport officer (additional charge) of the BIWTA.

The standard passengers, who came to the launch ghats, have been asked through loudspeakers to cross the river using ferries, added the BIWTA official.

A number of people are travelling towards their respective villages and homes, using various modes of transportation, to spend the Eid-ul-Fitr with their loved ones.