NEWS Desk
Monpura Upazila has remained out of operation for four months, forcing around 150,000 residents to rely on overcrowded, unfit trawlers to cross the rough Meghna River. On Monday, Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC)
officials cited mechanical faults followed by delays in renewing the vessel’s lease, while locals criticised the authorities for failing to restore the service and stop illegal passenger transport. Residents said the ST Ilisha seatruck was introduced on the
Tajumuddin-Monpura route to provide a safe crossing through the Meghna, including a dangerous stretch where
passenger boats without a sea survey certificate are barred. The vessel broke down in midMarch and remained idle after its lease
expired. Kawsar Ahmed Khan, BIWTC’s Bhola (Ilisha) office manager, said the vessel had been repaired but could not
resume operations because of leaserelated complications. A new lessee has now been appointed and the service is likely to restart
soon, he added. Locals, however, said at least seven unauthorised trawlers without fitness certificates or permission to carry passengers have continued operating for months, yet the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) has taken no action. A visit to the Tazumuddin sea-truck terminal found about 100 passengers crammed into a tarpaulin-covered cargo trawler after crossing rough waters. None of the vessels carried lifesaving equipment. Passengers said they had no choice but to pay higher fares for unsafe crossings.
Post by News Desk
