Shipping Adviser Brig Gen (retd) M Sakhawat Hossain announced on Thursday that route permits for passenger vessels will be canceled if they charge fares beyond the fixed rates or carry extra passengers. The warning came after a preparatory meeting with stakeholders at the secretariat aimed at ensuring safety on waterways ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr.
The adviser emphasized that from today, no passenger vessel would be allowed to charge more than the designated fare, and a fare chart must be publicly displayed. He further stated that vessels must adhere to their designated serials, and passengers should only be charged the fixed fare.
Additionally, vessels will not be permitted to pick up passengers from unauthorized spots, and the carrying of excess passengers is prohibited. Law enforcement agencies, supported by the navy, will monitor these regulations. The adviser also urged security forces to avoid conducting unnecessary checks that could cause delays.
In a bid to ensure vessel safety, Brig Gen Hossain stressed that no vessel would be allowed to operate without a valid fitness certificate. He also reinforced that exceeding speed limits is strictly prohibited.
Addressing the congestion at Sadarghat, Hossain noted that passengers often face difficulties boarding vessels, even when arriving hours in advance. To alleviate this issue, illegal vehicles will be removed using wreckers if necessary.
The new regulations will take effect from the 15th of Ramadan. Speedboats will not be allowed to operate at night, and sand-carrying bulkheads will be prohibited from navigating five days before and after Eid. Furthermore, buses will not be allowed to board ferries with passengers during this period.