Launch Trip to Doubled If Necessary: State Minister

Launch trip to be doubled if it is necessary to cope with the extra pressure of Eid holidaymakers, state minister for Shipping Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury has said.

No launch will be able to carry more passengers than the capacity during the Eid journey, he added.  

The state minister said this after visting Eid management activities at Sadarghat terminal in Dhaka on Sunday, reports media.

Addressing passengers, he said, “Do not travel on launch at risk. Life is more valuable than risk. The launch will berth during the nor’wester. Launch must be operated following the instructions.”

Khalid Mahmud said those who are working with BIWTA, Coast Guard, Naval Police, and law enforcement agencies are not thinking about their own safety, everyone is thinking about the safety of the passengers.

Khalid Mahmud said legal action would be taken if extra money and toll are collected from passengers centering the Eid journey.

The vicious circle is active to worsen the law and order situation centering Eid, he added.

The state minister talks to launch owners and passengers during the visit.

BIWTA Chairman Commodore Golam Sadeq and director (Passenger Transport) Mamunur Rashid were also present at that time.