State Minister for Shipping Md Rajib Ahsan -File Photo

DHAKA, March 25, 2026 (BSS) - State Minister for Shipping Md Rajib Ahsan has said that strict monitoring on waterways have ensured safe journey of the passengers to and from Dhaka during the Eid-ul-Fitr festival this year.   

“We have expedited our monitoring much ahead of the Eid-ul-Fitr festival to ensure that launches operate on schedule during the Eid and that no extra fares are charged from passengers,” he said.

Mr. Ahsan was talking to journalists at Ilisha launch terminal in Bhola on Tuesday evening after inspecting several launch ghats in the district.

In this connection, he said that the overall situation remains normal so far, and no problems have been reported from anywhere.

“We want the return journey to be safe and comfortable. Ensuring smooth movement of a large number of passengers during Eid is the responsibility of the Ministry of Shipping, and we are carrying it out properly,” he said.

Earlier, he inspected Betua launch terminal in Charfassion of Bhola and Hatia. 

During the visits, he spoke with passengers to know about their problems and experiences. He assured that all river terminals on Bhola routes would be developed with modern and passenger-friendly facilities in the future.

Meanwhile, during a mobile court drive, State Minister Rajib Ahsan fined Tk 5,000 to the passenger launch ‘Al Shafin Sattar Khan’ operating on the Ilisha - Dhaka route for not displaying the approved fare chart.

Among others present were Bhola Deputy Commissioner Dr. Shamim Rahman, Superintendent of Police Md. Shahidullah Kawsar, Officer-in-Charge of Bhola Sadar Model Police Station Md. Monirul Islam, and officials of the Department of Shipping.