Photo: BSS

BHOLA, May 16, 2026 (BSS)- Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) is preparing to launch a crackdown on trawlers and speedboats operating illegally in the Meghna River's danger zone defying the ban on the Ilisha-Lakshmipur route.

Although operations have been conducted against the illegal transport of passengers on unfit launches and trawlers on various waterways, including the Ilisha-Lakshmipur route on the Meghna River, dishonest circles have repeatedly disrupted the efforts.
 
Locals have alleged that launches and sea trucks are supposed to operate on this route at scheduled times, services are often suspended under the pretext of low passenger. 

Consequently, ordinary passengers are forced to cross the turbulent Meghna River at great risk to their lives. This situation could lead to a major accident at any time. In response, BIWTA is launching a comprehensive crackdown against these illegal vessels.

Every year from March 15 to October 15, BIWTA authorities declare an approximately 110-kilometer area from Bhola's Ilisha point on the Meghna River up to the river mouth as a danger zone. During this period, passenger transport is prohibited except sea trucks. 

Despite this ban, risky trawlers and speedboats continue to operate freely on the Ilisha-Lakshmipur route and other waterways in Bhola.

The illegal vessels carry hundreds of passengers daily. Ahead of the upcoming Eid-ul-Adha, this illegal water transport business has become even more widespread. Most of the vessels lack ownership documents, necessary approvals, any safety measures, or life-saving equipment like life jackets. Still, ordinary people crowd onto the boats, risking their lives to cross the river.

Passengers told BSS that although launches and sea trucks are scheduled to run at designated times, they are often suspended under the pretext of low number of passenger. 

Driven by urgent needs and livelihood demands, they are forced to pay extra fare and cross the Meghna River on trawlers and speedboats.

Visiting the Ilisha launch ghat in Bhola, this correspondent spoke with passengers Sharif, Rahman, and Nasima Begum, who were waiting to go to Lakshmipur. They told BSS that currently, four sea trucks and two launches, both government and private, are being operated on Ilisha-Lakshmipur route. However, this number is insufficient compared to demand. Often, arriving at the ghat and finding no safe vessel, they were forced to wait for hours before boarding on risky trawlers and speedboats for travel.

The passengers fear a major accident could occur at any time. They demand the regular operation of safe vessels and a halt to illegal trawlers and speedboats.

Regarding this matter, Nirmal Kumar Roy, Assistant Director of BIWTA at Bhola River Port, told BSS that every year from March 15 to October 15, the administration, River Police, Coast Guard, and BIWTA conduct joint operations in the 110 km long danger zone. He also stated that relevant officials have already been instructed to take effective action against illegal vessels.

Shahidullah Kawsar, Superintendent of Police in Bhola, said several specialized police teams are working to keep launch journeys free from risks on all coastal waterways in Bhola during the upcoming Eid-ul-Adha.