Ferry Ghats Crowded As Holidaymakers Returning

As Eid holidays are over, now thousands of holidaymakers from south-western districts overcrowded the ferry terminals in a bid to return to Dhaka to join their workplaces.

They are flocking to Paturia-Daulatdia and Shimulia-Banglabazar ferry ghats to cross the river and reach the capital as offices reopened on Sunday following a three-day vacation.

The returnees seemed hardly concerned about maintaining hygiene rules although there is an alarming Covid surge in neighboring India and Nepal.

The detection of a deadlier Indian variant of the virus in Bangladesh has also raised serious concerns here in recent days.

UNB Munshiganj correspondent says microbus, cars and auto-rickshaws are charging extra fares from passengers as public transport services remained suspended as part of the government restrictions to stem the transmission of coronavirus.

AGM of Bangladesh Inland water Transport Authority (BIWTA) Shafiqul Islam said ferry services are in operation to carry vehicles providing emergency services even though public transport services have been suspended.

“People are now returning to Dhaka and adjacent districts through the overcrowded ferries without maintaining social distancing or wearing masks, raising the risks of virus transmission,” he said.

Although 18 ferries are operating, those are not enough to cater to the need for huge passengers. “So, overcrowding is unavoidable.”

UNB Manikganj correspondent reports: Thousands of people from 21 south-western districts started returning to the capital in overcrowded ferries, worrying little about the possibility of virus transmissions.

According to the ferry terminal authorities, 15 ferries, out of 16, are there in operation now as one is out of order.

On Wednesday, five people died in stampede and heatstrokes at Banglabazar ferry terminal amid a mad rush of homebound people ahead of the Eid-ul-Fitr.

Amid a surge in infections, the government is going to extend the ongoing lockdown for another week until May 23.