Adviser for shipping Brigadier General (Retd) M Sakhawat Hussain attended a meeting on ensuring smooth journey and safety of passengers during the Eid-ul-Fitr at shipping ministry today. Photo: PID

DHAKA, Mar 06, 2025 (BSS)- Adviser for shipping Brigadier General (Retd) M Sakhawat Hussain has said strict action will be taken if any complaint is received regarding overcharging of fares and carrying excess passengers on water vessels during the holy Eid-ul-Fitr.

The adviser told reporters after a meeting on ensuring smooth journey and safety of passengers during the Eid-ul-Fitr at shipping ministry.
 
Sakhawat said a set of directives has been issued to the relevant authorities to ensure a pleasant journey for Eid revelers. 

He said the passenger carrying vessels charging fares beyond the fixed rates will not only face fines but also the cancellation of their route permits. 

Unfit water vessels will not be allowed to operate on waterways in any circumstances, he said, adding no launch or ferry will be permitted to break serials. 

Sakhawat said the Department of Shipping, along with the relevant authorities, has been instructed to strictly monitor the matter.

The adviser said each vessel must display the government fare chart at a designated place to allow passenger to know about the fare. Otherwise, action will be taken against the owners, he said.

Sakhawat instructed the security forces not to conduct unnecessary checks that may cause delay and harassment of the passengers. 

He said no vessel will be allowed to operate without a valid fitness certificate and exceeding the speed limit will strictly be prohibited. He urged all unfit vessels to immediately obtain their fitness certificates.

The adviser said those who have taken lease of terminals at Sadarghat or other terminals cannot harass passengers and take additional charge in any way.

Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) and relevant authorities have been asked to oversee this matter, he said.

 
Sakhawat said Ansar members will be deployed in launches operating at night to ensure overall safety for passengers.

He said special patrols will be conducted by the Bangladesh Navy, Coast Guard and River Police in the crime-prone areas such as the Shitalakshya River in Narayanganj, Gazaria in Munshiganj and Meghna River in Barisal. 

Sakhawat said that the city road from Dhaka’s Zero Point to Sadarghat must remain clear from traffic jam from 15th Ramadan.

Senior Secretary of the ministry Mohammad Yusuf and other concerned officials were present in the meeting.