The Ministry of Shipping has issued a strict 16-point safety directive to ensure smooth and secure river travel for passengers across Bangladesh during the Sharadiya Durga Puja festival.
The directive, signed by Senior Assistant Secretary Chhanda Paul and communicated to the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA), Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC), and the Department of Shipping, orders immediate compliance across all river ports and launch terminals. Key measures include a total ban on fitness-lacking vessels, prohibition of nighttime speedboat movement, and a strict crackdown on overcharging fares beyond government-approved rate charts. To prevent mid-river accidents, passenger embarkation and disembarkation are restricted strictly to designated pontoon terminals, barring mid-river transfers via small boats or trawlers near Sadarghat and other major ports.
Furthermore, BIWTA salvage ships and port firefighting units have been placed on standby for emergency response. All launches must visibly display four primary emergency hotline numbers (National Emergency: 999, Fire Service: 102, BIWTA Passenger Service: 16113, and Coast Guard: 16111) alongside weather forecast contacts (1090, 02-41025730, and 02-41025731). Enhanced terminal facilities, improved security, and dedicated sanitation for female, child, and disabled passengers have also been mandated. (Source: BSS)
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Reported by Staff Reporter • Edited by the Daily Best News desk. Send corrections to [email protected].
