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 Kazipara and Mirpur-10 metro stations, which have been closed, are expected to reopen by the end of September, though the exact date has not yet been confirmed. Mohammad Abdur Rauf, Managing Director of Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL), told TBS that a technical team has been tasked with resolving the issues at the stations.
“We are working to reopen the two stations within this month, but I cannot give a specific launch date yet. We will hold a meeting with the technical team and other stakeholders soon to review the progress. A decision is likely on 18 September,” Rauf said.
He noted that Kazipara station is likely to open earlier due to less severe damage, while Mirpur-10 may face delays as it requires machinery that needs to be imported.
Additionally, Rauf mentioned plans to begin metro rail operations on Fridays starting from 20 September, with efforts being made to meet this timeline.
The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has begun an operation to remove battery-run rickshaws from the streets of Dhaka in an effort to reduce traffic congestion.
Sergeant Mohammad Farhad of DMP’s Ramna Traffic Division explained that despite a ban on main roads, battery-operated rickshaws have continued to operate, causing significant traffic jams over the past few days.
“We are initially requesting drivers not to use the main roads. If they don’t follow our instructions, we will seize the vehicles,” Farhad said.
The move has been well-received by local residents and pedestrians. Tahmina Trisha, a resident of Dhanmondi, expressed her support, saying, “The main roads should be free of battery-driven rickshaws. We’re grateful to the police for finally taking action.”
Dr. Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Adviser of the interim government, has announced the formation of six commissions as an initial step toward reforms, including constitutional amendments. These commissions are expected to begin operations on 1 October and complete their work within three months.
In an address to the nation on Wednesday evening (11 September) from the Chief Adviser’s Office, Yunus outlined the government’s reform agenda. This is his second national address since taking office on 8 August.
Yunus explained that the formation of the six commissions is the first step in a broader plan for constitutional reform. He stated that the commissions would be led by six distinguished citizens, selected based on their expertise. These commissions will tackle various reform areas, and more will be established in the future.
Emphasizing the importance of constitutional reforms for free and fair elections, Yunus stated, “We believe that imposing majority rule through elections, resulting in misgovernance or consolidating all power into the hands of one person, family, or group, is unacceptable. To prevent this, we are considering reforms to institutions like the Election Commission and others involved in the election process. Reforming the police administration, civil service, judiciary, and Anti-Corruption Commission is essential for ensuring fair and transparent elections. These reforms will also contribute to establishing a state system based on public ownership, accountability, and welfare.”
Yunus announced the names of the six commission heads:
- Dr. Badiul Alam Majumdar will lead the Election System Reform Commission.
- Sarfaraz Chowdhury will head the Police Administration Reform Commission.
- Justice Shah Abu Naeem Mominur Rahman will lead the Judiciary Reform Commission.
- Dr. Iftekharuzzaman will lead the Anti-Corruption Reform Commission.
- Abdul Muid Chowdhury will head the Public Administration Reform Commission.
- Dr. Shahdeen Malik will lead the Constitutional Reform Commission.
The Chief Adviser mentioned that the other members of these commissions would be determined in consultation with the heads. Additionally, representatives from the advisory council, students, workers, social movements, civil society, and political parties will participate in the commissions’ discussions.
Yunus expressed hope that the commissions would be fully operational by 1 October and complete their work within three months. Based on the commissions’ reports, the government plans to organize consultations with major political parties. A broad consultation, lasting three to seven days, involving students, civil society, political party representatives, and the government will follow. This consultation will finalize the reform framework and outline its implementation strategy.
Yunus concluded by stating that this initiative will unify the nation, fulfilling the demands of the July uprising and strengthening the country with renewed hope and optimism.
