Dense fog forces pause in river traffic in Bangladesh over poor visibility

The Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) has suspended the movement of all vessels after dense fog reduced visibility to unsafe levels.

BIWTA Deputy Director Shahadat Hossain confirmed the decision to bdnews24.com on Sunday evening. 

“Due to dense fog, all types of passenger launches will remain suspended tonight (Sunday) in Chandpur and the southern region,” said Shahadat.

Vessels that are already en route have been instructed to operate in accordance with the 1976 rules for inland water transport, he said.

He said the suspension was initially meant to be effective for the night, and its withdrawal will depend on fog.

Vessel movement remained suspended on all waterways across the country—including Dhaka, Chandpur, Bhola, and Barishal—from 10:30pm on Friday.