It is still not possible to travel from Shimulia to Banglabazar

It is still not possible to travel from Shimulia to Banglabazar

Special Desk :    |    ০৫:৫২ পিএম, ২০২১-০৮-১১

In Munshiganj, the Shimulia route, and in Madaripur, the Banglabazar route, heavy vehicles will not be allowed until the strong current on the Padma river recedes. Following a meeting with senior officials from the BIWTC and BIWTA on Tuesday, Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury, the state minister for shipping, stated this. BSS reports that the minister discussed the recommendations of the inquiry committee in the meeting.

The ferries will only carry small and light vehicles like private cars, ambulances, and microbuses, said the state minister. Heavy vehicles have been asked to use Manikganj's Paturia-Rajbari's Daulatdia, Harina in Chandpur, and Alubazar in Shariatpur routes. Shipping secretary Mohammad Mejbah Uddin Chowdhury, BIWTC chairman Syed Md Tajul Islam, and BIWTA chairman Commodore Golam Sadek, among others, were present at the meeting. Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury said Padma Bridge is a prestigious installation and hitting this bridge by a ferry is really a matter of concern. "We're sorry and embarrassed for such incidents," he added.

Meanwhile, The Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC) has formed a five-member body to probe the collision of 'Ro-Ro Ferry Birshreshtha Jahangir' with a pillar of the Padma Multipurpose Bridge. The committee has been asked to submit its report to the BIWTC chairman within three days.

The BIWTC issued an official order to this end on Monday night. BIWTC director (technical) Md Rashedul Islam has been made convener of the committee, while  BIWTC general manager (marine) Captain Muhammad Hashemur Rahman Chowdhury, Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) director (shipping and management) M Shahjahan, its assistant general manager (engineering) Md Rubeluzzaman and assistant general manager (marine) Ahmed Ali have been made members of the committee.

Acting master of the ferry Md Delwarul Islam and wheel sukani Md Abul Kalam Azad has been put on temporary suspension last night (Aug 9) for failing to operate the ferry 'Birshreshtha Jahangir' properly on the Shimulia-Banglabazar route.