Published : 16 Sep 2026, 12:14 PM
Updated : 16 Sep 2026, 12:14 PM
Ferry services on the Nazirganj–Dhawapara water route between Pabna and Rajbari have remained suspended for 11 consecutive days due to the strong current in the Padma River, causing severe hardship for passengers and transport drivers.
MN Al Shibli, an official for the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC) Nazirganj–Dhawapara ferry service, said that the transportation of vehicles on the route has been completely suspended since the evening of Sept 6.
With no other option, ordinary people are crossing the river on trawlers and speedboats at higher fares and at considerable risk to their lives. The situation raises concerns that a major accident could occur at any time.
A visit to Nazirganj Ferry Terminal in Sujanagar Upazila on Tuesday morning found the ferry Camelia sitting idle at the terminal. Meanwhile, people living along the river were crossing the turbulent Padma on overloaded trawlers and engine-powered boats travelling close to the riverbank.
Locals said drivers from the Pabna, Sirajganj and neighbouring districts use this route to save time and money. Using the route cuts around 100 kilometres from the normal journey.
In 2023, the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC) took over the water route from the Roads and Highways Department. Ferry services were then launched using two ferries, Kopoti and Camelia, with four crossings a day.
Of the two, the Kopoti has been out of service for nearly three months, while Camelia is unable to cope with the strong current of the Padma.
Nazirganj terminal superintendent Khairul Islam Khokon said it normally takes 1 hour and 10 minutes to cross the river, but due to the current, the journey had recently been taking more than two and a half hours. Later, as the ferry's engine capacity declined and the risk of accidents increased, the authorities temporarily suspended ferry operations from Sept 6.
As an alternative, transport vehicles now have to take a detour via the Lalon Shah Bridge or cross through the Daulatdia–Paturia ferry route and then travel via Aricha to Kazirhat in Pabna. This adds to travel time and raises the fuel cost of the trip.
Passengers and drivers using the route complained that authorities have remained indifferent for years toward this convenient link between Sirajganj, Pabna, Natore and other parts of northern Bangladesh. They said the lack of powerful, good quality ferries on the route means that crossings are disrupted even during relatively minor weather adversities or river conditions.
Kabir Hossain, a regular passenger of the route, said, “We have seen government negligence on this water route from the very beginning. Yet the government collects hundreds of thousands of taka in revenue from this route in various ways without providing us with any facilities.”
He said, “Normally, the fare for a motorcycle and two passengers from Nazirganj jetty to Dhawapara jetty is Tk 250. Now that the ferry service is suspended, motorcycles cannot be transported.
“Even if we take the risk of crossing by trawler, we have to pay Tk 100 to Tk 150 per person. On top of that, an additional Tk 150 to Tk 200 is charged for a motorcycle.”
Meanwhile, business and commerce in the area around the ferry terminal has also ground to a halt due to the absence of buses and cargo trucks.
Abdul Alim, owner of Mayer Doa Hotel at Nazirganj jetty, said, “When the terminal is operational, our sales are good. When the terminal is closed, everything stops for us.”
He expressed frustration, saying there was seemingly no one to look into the matter.
Terminal Superintendent Khairul said, “We will be able to resume ferry services once the river water and current return to normal. Our officials have been regularly pressing senior authorities to provide a better ferry for this route.”
Jetty chief Shibli said, “As the river current was very strong, we requested a larger ferry, and BIWTC allocated a utility ferry named Kadam, which is capable of carrying 15 to 18 vehicles. However, the allocation could not be implemented due to objections from the marine department.”
He said, “The K-type Camelia can carry only seven to eight trucks. Operating the ferry during such a strong current puts the engine at risk of overheating and breaking down.
“The service has essentially been suspended for the safety of passengers and vehicles. Uncertainty over normal operations will remain until the river becomes calmer,” he said.
