Madaripur Correspondent
The launch movement on Banglabazar-Shimulia route has been suspended due to the severe lockdown that started across the whole country on Friday morning.
However, as the ferry movement is normal, passengers are being transported on each ferry along with emergency good trucks.
Meanwhile, as the water level in the Padma continues to rise, the speed of the current has also increased. The ferries take twice as long to cross.
According to Banglabazar Ferryghat sources, the launch operation has been suspended since Friday morning due to severe lockdown.
Emergency vehicles including ambulances are expected to cross the river by ferry, but private vehicles and passengers have been crossing the river on ferry since Friday morning.
Passengers from different districts of the southern region came to Banglabazar Ghat in light vehicles at double or triple the fare and crossed the Padma River by ferry.
However, those involved in the wharf claimed that some private cars and microbuses that were stuck last Thursday night were being transported.
There are also 50 passenger buses at the ghat terminal which are not being transported, ghat sources said. On the day, vehicles were transported by 13 ferries.
Meanwhile, the water level of Padma River continues to rise abnormally. As the water level rises, so decreases the speed of the ferry, doubling the time and fuel cost.
From Shimulia, the ferries turn about 4 km upstream and come to Banglabazar Ghat. A large number of law enforcers including executive magistrates and police are on duty in the ghat area to implement the lockdown.
Al Amin Sheikh, who was on his way to Dhaka from Barisal, said, “I came home on Eid. I am going to Dhaka now. I came to Banglabazar Ghat from Barisal by renting a motorcycle for Tk 1,100. Now I am crossing the Padma by ferry. I don't know how much more rent will have to be counted.”
BIWTA Banglabazar Ghat Inspector Akhter Hossain said all launches of the route have been closed since Friday morning to implement the government's directive.
BIWTC Banglabazar Ghat Manager Md Salauddin said emergency good trucks including ambulances were crossing the ferry. A handful of private vehicles stranded at the wharf since Thursday night have been crossed in the morning considering the humanitarian aspect.
Besides, no more private cars or passengers are crossing the river. The ferry crossing is taking a little longer as the river continues to flow at high speeds, he added.
Madaripur Additional Superintendent of Police Chailau Marma, who is on duty at the Banglabazar ferry ghat, said 300 police have been deployed in the ghat area to implement the lockdown.
He added, in addition a mobile court is being run under the leadership of an executive magistrate. Strict action will be taken immediately if anyone disobeys the lockdown instructions.
