Ferry services resume on Shariatpur–Chandpur route after 10-hour suspension due to dense fog

Ferry services on the Shariatpur–Chandpur river route resumed this morning after remaining suspended for nearly 10 hours due to dense fog, which had left hundreds of vehicles stranded at ferry terminals on both banks.

The Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC) suspended ferry operations on the route from 11:30pm last night (3 December) as thick fog severely reduced visibility on the river.

According to BIWTC sources, fog began forming over the river basin late at night and gradually intensified, making navigational marker lights difficult to see. To prevent potential mid-river accidents, the authorities temporarily halted the movement of ferries and all other vessels.

Confirming the decision earlier, BIWTC's assistant manager at the Narsinghpur ferry terminal, Md Iqbal Hossain, said, "To avoid the risk of river accidents, ferry services were suspended from 11:30pm. However, no ferries were left anchored mid-river at the time the suspension was enforced."

He later said ferry operations resumed from 9:30am today as the fog began to clear. "Although visibility has improved, partial fog remains over the mid-river area. For safety reasons, ferries are currently operating at a slower speed. Normal speed will be restored once the fog fully clears," he added.

With ferry services resuming, passenger buses, goods-laden trucks and other vehicles that had been waiting for hours at the Shariatpur and Chandpur terminals began crossing the river, bringing relief to passengers and transport workers.

BIWTC officials said the situation would continue to be monitored to ensure safe navigation along the route.