Ferry services on the Chilmari-Roumari route in Kurigram have been suspended for the past 17 days due to navigability issues in the Brahmaputra River.
The suspension, which began on December 23, has left numerous drivers stranded, as authorities struggle to resolve the problem.
Prafulla Chauhan, the Manager of Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) in Chilmari, stated that services will resume only after receiving clearance from the BIWTA, though no specific timeline has been provided.
Several drivers expressed frustration over the suspension. Abdul Matin, the driver of a stone-laden truck from Bhurungamari's Sonahat land port, shared, "I didn't know the ferry service was closed. I've been stuck here with my truck for the last three days, with no clarity on when the service will resume."
Another driver, Zahidul Islam from Lalmonirhat, added, "I arrived only to find the ferry service suspended. Now I'll have to take a longer route, which will increase my expenses."
According to BIWTA Deputy Assistant Engineer Md Kamruzzaman, the navigability issue spans across six kilometers from Baldamara to Roumari Ghat. The collapse of the embankment has disrupted the previously operational channel, and although dredging efforts are underway, floodwaters have refilled the dredged areas, complicating the situation further.
