SIRAJGANJ, Apr 17: A severe fuel crisis has hit river crossings in Ullapara Upazila of Sirajganj, leaving thousands of commuters in distress.
At the Betbari-Purba Satbaria ferry ghat on the Korotoa River, shallow-engine boats that once carried passengers from dawn till late night are now being pulled manually with ropes due to lack of diesel.
For years, these boats provided quick passage across the narrow river, serving villagers, students, traders, and patients. But with diesel supply dwindling, boatmen have been forced to tie ropes across the riverbanks and drag vessels by hand-a slow, exhausting process that has sharply increased travel time and hardship.
Local residents say at least 20,000 people from Ullapara's eastern villages depend on this ghat to reach the upazila headquarters daily. Around 300 students cross the river for school, while farmers and traders transport agricultural produce and goods to local markets. Boatmen estimate they need at least three liters of diesel per day to keep engines running for 14 hours. Now, they receive only one liter under government rationing-insufficient to operate even half a day.
Abdul Latif, a boatman, said the crisis began after the outbreak of war in Iran disrupted fuel imports. "We applied to the UNO office and now get one liter daily through the agriculture office. But that doesn't cover our needs. For two weeks we've had no choice but to pull boats with ropes," he explained.
Passengers describe the situation as both painful and inhumane. "Dragging boats by hand is extremely difficult and time-consuming," said commuter Suman Islam, urging authorities to increase allocations. Villager Yamin Hossain added that the shortage has particularly affected farmers and patients needing urgent transport, with delays worsening their plight.
Addressing the situation, Ullapara Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) ATM Arif acknowledged the hardship but pointed towards the necessity of rationing during a national energy crunch.
"Fuel is being rationed due to the ongoing shortage. We understand that the commuters and boatmen at the Betbari-Purba Satbaria ghat are struggling. However, everyone must understand the ground reality of the global situation," the UNO said. He added that the administration is trying its best to alleviate the suffering within the existing constraints.
