Leasing system for 3 launch, ferry terminals to go before Eid

The government will cancel the leasing system (Passenger entry fee of launch or ferry ghat) in three launch and ferry ghats before Eid-ul-Fitr with a view to ensuring better services to the passengers.

The passengers of Kaorakandi launch or ferry ghat in Madaripur, Paturia of Manikgonj and Daulotdia of Rajbari will enjoy the withdrawal of leasing system, said a press release.

This was disclosed at a meeting on ensuring safe movement of launches, ferries and steamers ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr on Sunday. Shipping Minister Shajahan Khan presided over the meeting.

Shipping ministry will request the ministries concerned, FBCCI, BGMEA and BKMEA to rearrange the Eid-ul-fitr vacation for the garments and knitwear workers.

As per the meeting, no launch will be overloaded with passengers and goods during the Eid-ul-Fitr. The launches have to leave terminals before crossing the load limit.

After leaving the terminal, nobody will be allowed to reach the launch through small boats. After starting its journey no launch will be allowed to halt to pick up passengers and goods.

The meeting decided that no launch owners would take extra fare during the Eid-ul-Fitr and all fishermen will lift their fishing net from launch route to ensure safe journey of the vessels. Launch driver, master and other workers have to stay at their working point after starting the journey.

No general truck and covered van, only trucks carrying essential commodities are allowed to use the ferry from three days before Eid-ul-Fitr and three days after the festival.

Movement of all the goods- laden ships, sand laden bulkhead will be strictly prohibited from dusk to dawn from five days before Eid and five days later.     

The shipping ministry will form vigilance team as per necessity. Mobile court drive will continue at ferry ghats and launch ghats to stop extra fare collection and over loading of passengers during Eid.  No irregularities regarding serial will be tolerated in ferry ghats, according to the press release.

Shipping Secretary Syed Monjurul Islam, BIWTA (Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority) chairman Md Shamsuddoha Khondoker, BIWTC chairman Md Mijanur Rahman, launch owners, workers, road transport federation, truck and covered van owners representatives were present, among others, at the meeting.