MP Hannan Masud diverted ferry from middle of river to the pier

The ferry, which left from Chairman Ghat in Hatiyar, Noakhali, for Nalchira Ghat with passengers and freight vehicles, returned to Chairman Ghat after 23 minutes. 

When tension arose among the ferry passengers over the issue, they were informed that local MP Abdul Hannan Masud had arrived at the ghat. He would have to be taken to Nalchira Ghat. This incident created anger among the passengers. Later, the ferry took the MP to its destination.

The incident took place on Saturday (July 11) afternoon. Sajjadul Islam, marine engineer of the ferry Mahananda, admitted the matter.

The ferry Mahananda left Chairman Ghat at 3:30 pm for Nalchira Ghat as scheduled. Shortly after the ferry left, Noakhali-6 MP Abdul Hannan Masud arrived at Chairman Ghat by car. He was going to Hatia by ferry and so he informed the authorities to bring the ferry back to the ghat. By then, 23 minutes had passed since the ferry left. The ferry was diverted from the middle of the Meghna River to pick up the MP and brought back to Chairman Ghat. Then the MP boarded the ferry with his leaders and activists. Then the ferry resumed its journey towards Nalchira Ghat.

Zahir, a representative of the ghat lessor, said, "The ferry master first told me that the ferry would not leave. Later, he told me again that it would leave at 3:30 pm. But about 23 minutes after leaving, the ferry returned to take MP Hannan Masud. Then, it took the MP back to its destination."

Several passengers said that after leaving the pier, they suddenly saw the ferry turning around. Later, when they returned to the pier, they saw MP Hannan Masood and the people with him boarding the ferry. This wasted a lot of time for the passengers.

In such hostile weather, on the one hand, we were crossing the river with fear, and on the other hand, the MP showed his strength. If the weather had turned bad, it would have been uncertain for us to go to Hatia. Moreover, by the time the ferry took to turn around, we would have reached near Nalchira pier.

Sajjadul Islam, the ferry's marine engineer, said that the ferry for the MP returns to the pier approximately 10 minutes after leaving the chairman's pier. There are certain rules that need to be followed for such VIPs. This needs to be done always.

Ferry Mahananda master Nurul Amin said, "I don't know that much." After leaving the ferry, the marine engineer told me that the MP had arrived at the pier. We had to turn the ferry around and take him. Later, we returned to the pier and took the MP to Nalchira pier.

The incident has sparked widespread discussion, criticism and mixed reactions among locals. Many have questioned how reasonable it is to divert a ferry halfway to its intended destination for a VIP.

When asked about this, MP Hannan Masud refused to comment.