National
Sadarghat Launch Terminal Faces Reduced Demand Amid Road Transport Boost
The allure of river journeys is waning as the Padma Bridge enhances road transport options, causing a notable decline in waterway passenger numbers. At Dhaka’s Sadarghat launch terminal, ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr, launch owners are uncertain about the necessity for special services due to reduced demand.
Navigational challenges worsen the situation, increasing travel times and operational costs for launch owners. Consequently, travellers are favoring road options over waterways.
“The improved efficiency in road transport, highlighted by the Padma Bridge, has directly impacted passenger flow to waterway services, halving our figures recently,” stated Badiuzzaman Badal, senior vice president of the Bangladesh Inland Waterways Passenger Carrier Association (BIWPCA).
Severe traffic congestion near the Sadarghat terminal is deterring potential passengers, contributing to the decline. Currently, only 50-55 launches depart daily for southwestern destinations, carrying less than half of their usual passenger loads.
Badal mentioned that unless there is an increase in travellers, the number of operational launches will remain unchanged. However, he hinted at a potential increase in launches if there is an Eid holiday rush.
Traditionally, Eid seasons witnessed launches operating beyond capacity. However, this year, passenger numbers have dropped by almost half.
Launch owners are refraining from raising fares, asserting their commitment to ensuring affordability.
Mohammad Shaheed Mia, president of the National Committee for the Protection of Shipping, Road, and Railways, noted a significant drop in passengers from Barisal and Chandpur, highlighting the long-standing reliance on waterways by people of the southwestern region.
Ashish Kumar Dey, president of the Shipping and Communication Reporters Forum (SCRF), mentioned a 35% to 45% decline in launch travel patronage over the last 18 months due to various factors, despite it remaining a preferred, cost-effective mode for many.
Despite challenges, an estimated 2.5 million people are expected to depart Dhaka via launches this Eid, according to Ashish.
Alamgir Kabir, joint director at the Bangladesh Inland Waterways Transport Authority (BIWTA), reported a subdued start to the Eid exodus at Sadarghat, with many launches operating at half capacity. However, there is optimism that passenger numbers may rebound as the Eid holiday draws closer.
The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has forecasted light to moderate rain or thundershowers accompanied by temporary gusty winds at most places across the Rangpur, Rajshahi, Mymensingh, Dhaka, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram, and Sylhet divisions. Some areas may experience moderately heavy to very heavy rainfall, according to their latest weather bulletin released on Thursday.
Day and night temperatures are expected to remain nearly unchanged across the country.
The highest rainfall in the country over the past 24 hours was recorded in Kumarkhali, with 104mm of rain by 6 a.m. on Thursday.
The axis of the monsoon trough extends from India’s Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and West Bengal to Assam, passing through Bangladesh, with one of its associated troughs stretching into the North Bay of Bengal.
The monsoon remains active over Bangladesh and moderate to strong over the North Bay region.
The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has forecasted that the mild heat wave currently affecting parts of the country, including the capital, is expected to subside in most areas within the next 24 hours, starting from 9 am today.
“A mild heat wave is sweeping across the divisions of Rangpur, Rajshahi, Dhaka, Mymensingh, and Sylhet, as well as the districts of Jashore, Chuadanga, and Kushtia. It is likely to ease in most regions,” the department reported.
In addition, BMD predicted light to moderate rainfall or thundershowers, accompanied by temporary gusty winds, across most of Rangpur, Rajshahi, Dhaka, Mymensingh, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram, and Sylhet divisions. Some areas are expected to experience moderate to very heavy rainfall.
Temperatures across the country may drop by 1-2 degrees Celsius during both day and night.
On Monday, Dinajpur in the Rangpur division recorded the country’s highest temperature at 38.6°C, while Bandarban in the Chattogram division saw the lowest temperature at 24.6°C early today.
Meanwhile, rainfall recorded in the past 24 hours, ending at 6 am today, reached 66 mm in Nikli of Dhaka Division.
The sunset in Dhaka is at 5:53 pm today, and sunrise is expected at 5:49 am tomorrow.
Two separate murder cases were filed today in connection with the deaths of a private service holder and a Madrasa student during the anti-discrimination student movement.
The first case was lodged by Ridwan Ahmed with Panchlaish police station, accusing former ministers Dr. Hasan Mahmud, Barrister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Naufel, and 127 others for the death of his nephew Sujan, 14. Sujan, the son of Belal Hossain from Beramara village in Noakhali’s Sadar Thana, was a student at Al Jamirul Hayat Madrasa in the city’s Chandgaon area. He was fatally shot in the Muradpur area on July 18.
The second case was filed by Jamal Uddin at Doublemooring police station, accusing 225 individuals, including Dr. Hasan Mahmud and Education Minister Barrister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Naufel, for the killing of his elder brother Alam, a private service holder, on August 5.
