Shipping Adviser Brigadier General (R.) Dr. M Sakhawat Hussain today inaugurated the sea-truck service on the Pekua–Kutubdia route.Photo: BSS

COX’S BAZAR, Jan 25, 2026 (BSS) – Shipping Adviser Brigadier General (R.) Dr. M Sakhawat Hussain today inaugurated the long-awaited modern sea-truck service on the Pekua–Kutubdia route.

An advanced sea-truck named “ST Bhasha Shaheed Jabbar” was officially launched on the Pekua–Kutubdia waterway.

Speaking at the event, the shipping adviser said that the introduction of modern sea-trucks on the Pekua–Kutubdia and Cox’s Bazar–Maheshkhali routes has opened a new horizon for transportation for people in the coastal regions. 

He said this service will reduce travel time and suffering while ensuring safe and comfortable journeys. Sakhawat said the government is working sincerely to improve communication systems in coastal and inland areas.

He said the launch of this service will boost trade, commerce, tourism, and emergency services. In the future, the number of such modern vessels will be increased, he added.

BIWTA Chairman Rear Admiral Arif Ahmed Mustafa, Dhaka University of Engineering and Technology Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Mohammad Zoynal Abedin, Cox’s Bazar Deputy Commissioner Md. A. Mannan, Additional Deputy Commissioner Nazim Uddin, and government officials concerned were present.

After the inauguration, the sea-truck departed from Magnama Jetty at 1:00 pm and reached Boroghop Jetty around 1:30 pm. A large number of people gathered at the jetties to witness the new vessel.

Arif Ahmed Mustafa said that the sea-truck will be operated with the highest priority given to passenger safety. All necessary measures have been taken to ensure discipline and punctuality on the waterway, he said.

Local residents expect that the launch of this new sea-truck service will significantly ease the long-standing travel hardships of the people of Pekua and Kutubdia.