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DHAKA, March 17, 2026 (BSS) - The number of homebound passengers is increasing at Sadarghat, the capital's main river port, ahead of Eid, as the launch terminal gradually regains its usual festive bustle.

Yesterday, (Monday) was the last working day for government and private offices. With a consecutive seven-day holiday beginning today, Tuesday, many people are leaving the capital to celebrate Eid with their families.

Alongside road and rail, people from various walks of life are also travelling home by waterways, leading to a growing crowd of passengers at the Sadarghat launch terminal.

A visit to the spot shows rows of launches anchored at the pontoons. Passengers are arriving at the terminal from different parts of the capital to travel to destinations such as Barishal, Bhola, Chandpur, Hatiya, Jhalokathi, and Patuakhali. 

From noon onward, passenger movement has increased at different points of the terminal. People of all professions are gathering at the launch ghat. 

Currently, launches operate on 37 routes from Sadarghat to various destinations across the country.

Officials say that many passengers still prefer waterway travel as it is considered safer than road and rail routes. 

Moreover, the comfort of launch travel makes it a popular choice for Eid journeys. A total of 174 launches have been prepared to operate on different routes for this Eid-ul-Fitr. Although buses run from Gulistan to Ray Saheb Bazar, passengers often have to take rickshaws for the remaining distance.

Sohel Rana, a Barishal-bound passenger, said, "I am going to my village home to spend time with my family ahead of Eid. Such crowds are normal during Eid, so I am waiting patiently. Since I came at the last moment, the crowd is a bit heavier, but I will be relieved if I can reach safely."

Another Barishal-bound passenger, Ridwan Ahmed, said, "I consider launch travel safer due to the higher risk of accidents on roads. Every year, I go to my village home with my family for Eid, and this year is no exception. Even though buses are available, we enjoy travelling by launch."

Omar Faruk, a Chandpur-bound passenger, said, "We usually travel by launch. This Eid, the number of passengers seems a bit higher. Still, compared to other modes of transport, travelling by launch is much safer. There is no more comfortable way to travel with family."

Joint Director of Marine Safety and Traffic Management at BIWTA's Dhaka River Port, Sadarghat, Mohammad Mobarak Hossain, told BSS, "We have made better arrangements this year to ensure a smooth Eid journey. We have more launches than required. A total of 174 launches will operate on 37 routes this Eid. Porter services have been made free. Free wheelchairs have been arranged for sick passengers, and trolleys are also available free of charge for passengers' convenience."

He added that launch fares have been reduced by 10 percent for this Eid. Security measures have been strengthened with the deployment of DMP, Coast Guard, RAB, River Police, and Ansar personnel. 

"We hope this year's Eid journey will be much better than before," he said, adding that four to five control rooms have been set up in the Sadarghat area, along with mobile teams and mobile courts.

Sadarghat Police Outpost in-charge Sajib Ahmed said that 221 police personnel from Bangshal, Kotwali, and Sutrapur police stations have been deployed to ensure passenger safety. 

"We are making our best efforts to ensure safe movement of passengers. Various initiatives have been taken to serve them. We are maintaining constant vigilance to prevent theft, snatching, and harassment," he said.

He further added that porter services have been made free, and strict monitoring is in place to ensure no one charges passengers. "We are also raising awareness among passengers about these services. "We hope this year's Eid journey will be safe and smooth," he added.