Amid a mad rush of home-bound people ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr, ferry services on Paturia-Daulatdia and Shimulia-Banglabazar routes have been suspended amid pandemic.
Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC) said the decision to suspend ferry services on the two busy water routes, with effect from Saturday morning, was taken in the wake of the ongoing second wave of coronavirus.
However, vessels carrying patients and goods will be allowed to cross the rivers, said Nazrul Islam, public relations officer of BIWTC.
“Despite the suspension of speedboat and launch operations, thousands of home-bound people were seen crossing rivers on private vessels ignoring all health protocols.
“Following the directives of the government to stem the spread of Covid-19, BIWTC has suspended the ferry services. However, the goods-laden vessels can cross the rivers at night,” said Nazrul.
The sudden suspension of ferry services has caused immense sufferings to home-bound people ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr.
Those who hired small vessels to go to their native villages to celebrate Eid with their families have been hit hard
