Ichli launch route closed

Strong current and whirlpool fed by a rise in water level have forced launch operations from Bada Station Molehead to Ichli to suspend.

Chandpur Correspondentbdnews24.com
Published : 21 July 2014, 04:28 PM
Updated : 21 July 2014, 04:28 PM

BIWTA deputy director and Chandpur port officer Mobarak Hossain said water level increased in Bada Station Molehead.

"In addition, there are whirling currents in the river posing huge risk to operation of riverine vessels."

“So, for the sake of passengers' safety, launch operations on Dhaka-Ichli and Chandpur-Ichli routes have been suspended," Hossain said.

In the past two decades several launches capsized at Molehead claiming thousands of lives.

In June last year, Chandpur Bada Station launch port was shifted to Madrasa Road as Molehead became precarious.

Yet many launches including MV Rafraf, MV Jamjam, MV Tutul, MV Imam Hasan, MV Sonar Tari and MV Prince of Russel were continuing their operations on Dhaka-Chandpur-Ichli route.

Mobarak said those operating on the routes violating the order would face legal actions.