Road Transport and Bridges, Railways and Shipping Minister Sheikh Rabiul Alam spoke at a press conference held at conference room of the shipping ministry in the secretariat. Photo: BSS

DHAKA, Feb 26, 2026 (BSS) - The government has announced a nationwide suspension of sand-carrying bulkhead and dinghy boat movements from March 16 to 25 to ensure safe travel for passengers heading home during the upcoming holy Eid-ul-Fitr.

The decision was announced by Shipping, Road Transport and Bridges, and Railways Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam at a special preparatory meeting held at the Shipping Ministry on Thursday afternoon.

“The passenger pressure on waterways increases manifold around Eid. Ensuring the safety of passengers’ lives and property is our top priority during this time,” the minister said. 

He added that speedboat operations will also remain completely banned at night during the period, while passengers traveling by speedboat during the day must wear life jackets.

According to a notice signed by the ministry’s Public Relations Officer Kazi Arif Billah, general trucks and covered van ferries—except those carrying essential and perishable goods—will remain suspended from March 17 to March 24 to facilitate smooth passenger movement.

The minister also issued a stern warning against overcharging passengers and harassment. 

“Under no circumstances can additional money be collected beyond the approved fare. Carrying passengers on the roof of launches is completely prohibited,” he said.

He added that strict legal action—including cancellation of route permits and vessel licenses—will be taken against violators.

To enforce the directives, mobile courts will operate regularly at ferry terminals and launch ghats across the country.

Security measures will be reinforced, with at least four Ansar members deployed on each launch from 15 Ramadan until three days after Eid.

Vigilance teams will also be formed at each ghat area in coordination with the district administration, police, naval police, and coast guard.

The notification further stated that sufficient feeder bus services operated by BRTC will remain available to ease passenger movement. 

In case of emergency, passengers have been advised to contact the national emergency service hotline 999 or the BIWTA hotline 16113.

State Ministers Habibur Rashid and Md. Rajib Ahsan, Shipping Secretary 

Dr. Nurun Nahar Chowdhury, and senior officials from the relevant ministries and agencies were present at the meeting.