DHAKA, March 30, 2023 (BSS) - Only trucks carrying perishable and essential goods will be allowed on ferries plying in different routes during the three days before and after Eid-ul-Fitr, said State Minister for Shipping Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury. 

Taking to journalists after a meeting today, he said plying of speedboats will remain suspended at night and sand carrying bulkheads will not be allowed to ply on April 17-27.
 
"Eid is likely to be observed on April 22. We've decided to allow only trucks and cover vans carrying perishable and essential goods on ferries during the three days before and after Eid. Regular trucks and covered vans will not be allowed on ferries during that time," the minister told journalists at the secretariat.

He said as motorcycles are not allowed to run on Padma Bridge, steps are being taken to make an alternative arrangement to allow motorcycle on ferry in Shimulia- Majhirkandi route. BIWTA and BIWTC will take necessary steps in this regard, he added.
 
The minister said riverine transports will be given necessary instruction to abide by weather forecast to avoid weather related risks like nor'wester in the month of April.
 
He said number of ferry will be increased on Paturia, Daulatdia, Aricha, Kazirhat, Harina and Alubazar routes. C-Truck service will be available coastal region like Sandwip and Hatia. Water transports having no fitness certificate will not be allowed to ply, he added. 

Shipping secretary Md Mostafa Kamal, Department of Shipping director general Commodore Md Nizamul Haque, BIWTC chairman SM Ferdous, BIWTA chairman Commodore Arif Ahmed Mostafa, Bangladesh Inland Water Transport (Passenger) Corporation president Mahbub Uddin Ahmed, Bir Bikram and Lunch Owners' Association vice-president Shahidul Islam Bhuiyan were, among others, were present.