Launch shortage at Moju Chowdhury Hat terminal disrupts Bhola-Barishal travel amid Eid rush
River navigability has declined, reducing vessel movement. As a result, many passengers are waiting 3 to 5 hours at the terminal without getting a launch.
A surge of homebound passengers ahead of Eid has been reported at Moju Chowdhury Hat launch terminal in Lakshmipur, leaving travellers on the Bhola-Barishal route in distress.
Despite thousands of passengers, only six sea trucks are operating on the route. River navigability has declined, reducing vessel movement. As a result, many passengers are waiting 3 to 5 hours at the terminal without getting a launch.
After long waits, when a launch docks, passengers rush to board. Launches have been seen departing with more passengers than their designated capacity. Despite restrictions, passengers are also crossing using fishing trawlers, cargo vessels and speedboats.
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According to terminal sources, at least 20,000 passengers crossed through Moju Chowdhury Hat terminal between early morning and noon today (19 March).
Passengers said poor navigability in the Rahmatkhali channel and reliance on tidal conditions are disrupting launch services, causing particular hardship for fasting women and children.
At around 1:30pm, the sea truck ST Khizir-5 docked, prompting a passenger rush, and later departed for Bhola overloaded beyond its capacity.
Around 2:30pm, another large launch arrived, and passengers boarded in haste, while many who missed it resorted to risky trawler crossings.
Passengers said many had arrived from Chattogram in the morning for Bhola and Barishal, with some reaching the terminal around 9am and waiting since then.
Locals said the Rahmatkhali channel of the Meghna River continues to suffer from navigability issues despite ongoing dredging, preventing vessels from operating during low tide.
Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) Port Officer Shah Alam said passenger pressure increases manifold during Eid, but the limited number of launches makes management difficult.
Executive Magistrate Hasan Muhammad Nahid Sheikh Sumon visited the terminal to monitor the situation. He said the number of vessels is limited and they cannot exceed capacity, adding that tidal conditions and navigability issues are disrupting schedules, though authorities are maintaining constant monitoring.
