Vehicles, passengers to board ferries following guidelines: Shipping Secy

Shipping Secretary Zakaria on Saturday said vehicles and passengers must board ferries in accordance with existing rules and guidelines to avoid accidents during the upcoming Eid travel rush.

He made the remarks while visiting Daulatdia ferry and launch terminals in Rajbari around 12:00 PM.

Referring to the tragic incident at Daulatdia no 3 ferry terminal during the last Eid-ul-Fitr, the secretary said authorities are conducting a proper investigation to determine the cause.

“Today’s inspection was aimed at ensuring that such incidents do not recur in the future. We also want to improve passenger services further,” he said.

He warned that ignoring ferry operation guidelines could lead to accidents and stressed that all vehicles must comply with instructions while boarding ferries.

“We have already informed all concerned so that passengers can travel safely and smoothly during the upcoming Eid,” he added.

Zakaria said Prime Minister has directed all relevant authorities to ensure uninterrupted Eid journeys for people across the country.

Separate coordination meetings have already been held involving the shipping, road transport and railway ministries to implement necessary measures, he said.

The secretary also said the shipping ministry has proposed steps to ensure uninterrupted transportation of sacrificial animals through waterways ahead of Eid-ul-Adha.

“Each trawler or boat carrying sacrificial animals will have to display the name of the designated cattle market where the animals will be unloaded so that no one can obstruct them on the path,” he said.

He further assured that all necessary facilities would be provided for ferries transporting cattle-laden trucks and other vehicles.

On river erosion, Zakaria said erosion is a natural phenomenon associated with rivers and must be dealt with continuously.

“Wherever erosion occurs, we will take necessary steps to minimise the damage and adapt accordingly,” he added.

Earlier, the shipping secretary inspected launch terminals, ferry pontoons, approach roads and other facilities at Daulatdia and instructed the concerned authorities to address existing shortcomings.

Among others, BIWTC Chairman Md Abul Hossain, BIWTC Director (Commercial) Md Ashikur Rahman, Director and Technical Captain Hashemur Rahman Chowdhury, BIWTA member (Finance, retired Navy) Moazzem Hossain, engineer Rakibul Islam Talukdar and Goalanda Upazila Assistant Commissioner (Land) Md Muntasir Hasan Khan were present.

AM