File Photo

By Al-Amin Shahriar 

BHOLA, Sept 3, 2025 (BSS) - On the edge of the mighty Meghna River, where waves crash against the shores of Monpura, life has come to a standstill. For nine long days, the islanders have watched the horizon in vain, waiting for the familiar vessel ST Ilisha, the government-run sea-truck that connects them to the mainland. But the ferry, crippled by mechanical failure, remains docked and silent.

Monpura, isolated from Bhola's mainland, is now severed as the sea-truck that once ferried over a thousand passengers daily has left behind a vacuum. In its absence, desperation has driven locals to board on unauthorized trawlers and unlicensed boats on the treacherous waters of the mighty river.

According to sources, the long suspension of the only safe government-run vessel has caused severe hardship for the people on both ends. 

The island upazila of Monpura is surrounded by the rough waters of the Meghna River and nestled near the estuary facing the sea. With the ongoing monsoon season and the route being declared a government-designated danger zone, locals fear a major accident could occur at any time.

Locals said that the only reliable communication for the people of Monpura is by waterways route. In the absence of the government sea-truck, passengers are compelled to travel in small, one-deck launches and illegal trawlers.

According to the information obtained, the sea-truck service on the Monpura-Tazumuddin waterways route is operated by Md Nuruddin Miah Yanur Enterprise, a contractor selected through a BIWTC tender. The vessel has been inoperative since Tuesday, August 26, confirmed Md. Nirab, the sea-truck's sukani (helmsman) employed by the contractor.

When visiting the Meghna riverside terminal in Tazumuddin, there were talks with several stranded passengers heading to Monpura, including Shahid Talukder, Ramzan Majhi, Umar Faruk, Nurjahan, Amena Begum, and Rafizul Majhi.

They alleged that instead of repairing the sea-truck, Md. Nuruddin, the owner of Yanur Enterprise, is ferrying passengers using unauthorized private trawlers. This puts passengers at risk, especially in this hazard-prone Meghna zone. Despite the danger, coastal residents are forced to travel this way, enduring immense hardship and risking their lives.

Several other passengers echoed the same concern, saying, "We have no alternative, so we are compelled to travel despite the risk." 

They said that there is long standing demand of multiple government-operated sea-trucks to be made available on this essential route. Locals also complained that many pregnant women and patients are unable to travel to Bhola town for medical treatment due to the suspension.

When contacted, on behalf of contractor Nuruddin, Md. Nirab Uddin said that repair work is ongoing, and the sea-truck is expected to resume service within a day or two. However, he declined to comment on the use of unauthorized trawlers by the contractor.

Md. Kawsar Hossain, Manager of BIWTC's Bhola region, told BSS that the sea-truck would resume operation after the mechanical issues are resolved. Asked about passengers' complaints, he advised contacting higher authorities.

Md. Riyad Hossain, Port Officer of BIWTA Bhola region, told BSS that a team has already been sent to crack down on illegal vessels operating in the area.

Khandaker Tanvir, Deputy General Manager of BIWTC (Barishal Region), told BSS that the contractor was summoned two days ago and instructed to resume the sea-truck service. "We will call him again and direct him to restore operations immediately. If the sea-truck is not resumed soon, action will be taken against the contractor," he said.