No ferry charge at Padma piers ahead of Eid

The government has decided not to collect any ferry charge from passengers for crossing different points of the Padma river ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr.

Staff Correspondentbdnews24.com
Published : 6 July 2014, 05:56 PM
Updated : 6 July 2014, 06:55 PM

Shipping Minister Shajahan Khan (File Photo)

Shipping Minister Shajahan Khan said the ministry made the decision at a meeting on Sunday.
He said no charge would be collected from passengers at piers at Kewrakandi in Madaripur, Paturia in Manikganj and Daulatdia in Rajbarhi.
The minister said collection of charge had already been stopped at Mawa and would be suspended from July 15 at Kewrakandi, Paturia and Daulatdia.
However, vehicles have to pay the ferry charges as usual.
The meeting was held on safe navigation of water vessels including launches, ferryboats and steamers.
Khan said there were 43 ferryboats in Bangladesh and three more would be pressed into service on July 18.
“During this Eid, better services than previous Eid times will be offered. Naval police will work with law-enforcing agencies during this Eid.”
The Eid will be celebrated on July 30, subject to sighting of moon, in Bangladesh.
The minister said no sand-laden trawler would be allowed to ply on 11 rivers for 11 days beginning five days before the Eid day.
Ferrying of trucks and covered vans, other than those carrying essential commodities, will also remain suspended for six days.
Khan said: “This year, Eid falls in the rainy season. Taking the fact into consideration, discussions are being held with launch owners.
“In no circumstances, unskilled people will be allowed to navigate launches. Excessive number of passengers will not be allowed to get on board.”