Photo: BSS

BARISHAL, March 23, 2026 (BSS) - State Minister for Shipping Md. Razib Ahsan has said this year’s launch travel witnessed the least suffering in recent memory as fares lower than the officially fixed rates are being charged.

He made the remarks while speaking to journalists after visiting the Barishal river port tonight.

Razib said he had checked whether the chart showing a 10 percent fare reduction was displayed on launches. No extra fares are being charged for deck or cabin passengers, he added.

“We have limitations in our capacity, but we are trying to work honestly by putting in our best efforts within what we have. You will judge whether we are doing so,” he said.

He said officials of the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) have been instructed to permanently stop the practice of calling passengers in front of launches.

Regarding terminal management, he said BIWTA officials have been directed to ensure that no launch docks behind another.

He said efforts are underway to discourage the practice of boarding launches from small boats.

During the visit, he spoke with passengers and inquired about various issues.

The Deputy Commissioner of Barishal and officials of BIWTA, among others, were present during the inspection.