Photo: BSS

By Al-Amin Shahriar

BHOLA, March 17, 2026 (BSS) – Ahead of the Eid-ul-Fitr, people from various walks of life have begun returning home to the southern district of Bhola. 

Travelers from the capital Dhaka, the port city of Chattogram, Khulna, and Rajshahi are now arriving by launches and other mode of transports.

Advance booking for launch cabins for the homebound passengers during Eid has already sold out. All luxury launches on the Dhaka-Bhola waterway had their cabins booked in advance, some as early as two weeks ago. 

Passengers who secured tickets without hassle expressed satisfaction. The Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) has stated that additional special services will be launched if passenger demand increases.

Shahidul Islam, the regional port officer of BIWTA in Char Fasson, Bhola, told BSS that to ensure a comfortable and smooth water journey for over five lakh people across Bhola’s seven sub-districts during Eid, the authority has added several reliable new vessels to the fleet.

He said these launches depart daily from the newly constructed ghat in Bashila, Mohammadpur, Dhaka. Alongside the government-launched, sea-surveyed launches, private launches have also started operating from here. Additionally, launches depart from Dhaka’s Sadarghat terminal heading to Bhola, he said.

Officials from various launch companies in Bhola said that nearly 100 percent of tickets for launches from Dhaka to Bhola have already been booked for Eid. Meanwhile, BIWTA has ensured that all preparations for a safe waterway journey during Eid have been completed.

Although the charm of the Dhaka-Barishal waterway has slightly decreased after the opening of the Padma Bridge, the Dhaka-Bhola route remains bustling. Luxury launches that used to operate from Barishal are now focusing on the Bhola route.

Md. Alauddin, manager of Brothers Navigation Company for the Dhaka-Bhola route, told BSS that adequate launches are available for travel between Dhaka and Bhola. If overcrowding is observed, the number of launches will be increased, he said.

MV Doyel Pakhi-10 launch authorities stated that tickets for Eid travel have been sold out until March 16, with March 18 fully booked, while some seats remain for March 19.

Sources said that many passengers prefer waterway travel because it is more comfortable than road transport. Early advance booking of cabins, two weeks before Eid, has reduced passenger inconvenience. Travelers expressed satisfaction at securing tickets smoothly.

Abul Bashar, Rahim, and Luna Beg, passengers on the Dhaka-Bhola route, told BSS that they prefer a comfortable and peaceful journey amid the crowds, which is why they booked their tickets in advance and were able to obtain them.

BIWTA has confirmed that all measures have been taken to ensure a safe waterway journey during Eid. Extra arrangements will be made with the support of law enforcement to secure passengers. Special trips will be arranged if passenger numbers increase, the authority said.

Md. Asaduzzaman, divisional officer of BIWTA Barishal, told BSS that 16 launches operate on the Dhaka-Bhola and Dhaka-Barishal routes. All launches are running, and measures have been taken to ensure that homebound passengers can celebrate Eid without disruption. Special services will be launched if necessary.

Meanwhile, the Bangladesh Coast Guard’s South Zone has strengthened special security measures across the country’s waterways to ensure passenger safety during the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr.

Lieutenant Commander Sabbir Alam Sujan, Coast Guard media officer, stated in a press release on March 16 that the Coast Guard has continuously ensured security in coastal and riverine areas since its inception. The force regularly conducts patrols, joint operations, and rapid-response actions to prevent illegal activities and strengthen waterway security.

He added that from March 15 to 26 the Coast Guard’s South Zone is implementing special security measures at key launch ghats, ferry ghats, and small boat landings in Bhola, Lakshmipur, Barishal, Patuakhali, Noakhali, and Barguna districts.

These measures include special patrols, public awareness announcements via microphones, distribution of leaflets, inspection of suspicious individuals and vessels, and scanning passengers’ baggage. 

The press release emphasized that every Coast Guard member remains vigilant to prevent sabotage, ensuring safe and smooth waterway travel for passengers.

Security operations will continue round the clock and remain active after Eid to maintain safe passage for travelers.

Dr. Md. Shamim Rahman, Deputy Commissioner of Bhola, told BSS that multifaceted steps have been taken to ensure the safety of homebound travelers during Eid.

Bhola Superintendent of Police Md. Shahidullah Kawsar told the media that all launch terminals in Bhola are under special police security to ensure an uninterrupted Eid journey.