Low over Bay Launch services on southern routes suspended

Launch services on five different routes of the country's southern region were suspended from 11:00 am Sunday until further notice due to a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal, according Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA).
BIWTA suspended plying of launches on the Hatia, Charmantaj, Kalapara, Betua and Rangabali routes due to the inclement weather in the Bay.
Joint Director (River safety and traffic management) at Dhaka River Port Terminal at Sadarghat in the capital Kabir Hossain said they have suspended launch services from Sadarghat to Hatia, Charmantaj, Kalapara, Betua and Rangabali on account of the rough weather.
He, however, said launch services on other routes in the southern districts were operating as usual.
He added they will allow resumption of services once the situation improves.
Meanwhile, passengers who thronged Sadarghat launch terminal for journey on those routes could not travel due to the suspension of launch services.
Many of them have either changed their travel schedule or moved to their respective destinations through alternative means.

talhabinhabib@yahoo.com