Ferries on Shimulia-Banglabazar route are allowing private cars only if the passengers can give valid reasons behind their commute today, a day after BIWTC issued a circular ban -- saying transportation of all sorts of public and private vehicles is suspended as per a government decision.
Over 200 goods-laden trucks, ambulances and private cars were seen waiting at Shimulia ghat in Munshiganj's Lauhajang upazila to cross the river as 10 ferries -- out of 16 -- are operating on the route, reports our district correspondent.
Md Foysal Ahmed, manager of Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC) Shimulia ghat, said most of the private cars are carrying Bangladeshi expatriates returning home ahead of Eid-ul-Azha. They reached Shimulia after showing travel documents at different check posts, he said.
Also, the authorities concerned are verifying the papers before the private cars were boarding the ferries, he said.
The Mawa traffic inspector said passengers of microbuses and private cars at Shimulia could give valid reasons for their travel so far. Those are carrying patients, migrant workers returning home, media personnel, health service workers, law enforcers and those related to other emergency services.
Except those engaged in emergency services, no public or private vehicles would be allowed on ferries, said BIWTC yesterday.
The government circular came at a time when officials reported a record 212 deaths and 11,324 new cases of Covid-19 yesterday.
mj/
