Passengers overflow at Dhaka rail stations, launch terminals

Ahead of the Eid, the railway stations in Kamalapur and Dhaka Airport overflowed with passengers on Thursday and Friday. However, all trains left on time. The scene was similar from Thursday afternoon to Friday afternoon in Sadarghat Launch Terminal. Meanwhile in Munshiganj, the scene at Mawa launch and ferry ghats was different. For the last two days the ro-ro ferries were lying idle. But the picture changed on Friday morning. However, the number of passengers was still low compared to what was expected by the administration. Early in the day, the rush of passengers increased till 10:00am. But as the day progressed, the number of passengers declined. By the afternoon, the ferries were seen spending their time lazily waiting for incoming vehicles. Manager, BIWTC, Mawa, Siarjul Huq said two more ferries had been added to the regular fleet of 16 to meet the extra demand. Following instructions by the shipping ministry life jackets were seen in all sea boats, although they were short in supply. Asked about it, the owners said that the instructions came a little late. ‘We could not buy so many, almost 500 life jackets, in such a short span of time,’ they said. Meanwhile, the Rover Scouts were seen guiding passengers. Assistant commissioner (land) and executive magistrate, Abul Kalam, was conducting mobile courts in the area. Officer-in-charge (OC), Lauhojang thana, Tofazzal Hossain said, the ghat is normal. There are two hundred and fifty policemen to look after law and order. Besides, there is RAB, Ansar, community police and plain clothes’ policemen to reinforce them, according to BSS.