State Minister for Shipping Md Razib Ahsan. File photo

DHAKA, June 01, 2026 (BSS) - After ensuring safe travel for homebound passengers during the holy Eid-ul-Azha, State Minister for Shipping Md Razib Ahsan visited Ilisha Ghat in Bhola to oversee and monitor the safe movement of passengers returning to their workplaces by waterways.

He made a sudden visit to Ilisha Ghat on Sunday and observed the overall situation on the ground. Earlier, he inspected the Chandpur river port to review operational activities and passenger management, an official release said here today.

During the inspection, the state minister issued necessary directives to officials of the district and upazila administrations, law enforcement agencies, and concerned organizations to ensure passenger safety and smooth, hassle-free travel.

State Minister for Shipping Md Razib Ahsan said that inspections were being carried out at ferry ghats with high passenger movement.

“We have inspected places where a large number of people travel by waterways. During Eid, we worked to ensure that people could safely reach their loved ones. Now our monitoring activities are focused on ensuring that they can safely return to their respective workplaces,” he said.

Razib further said that field visits help identify minor irregularities and shortcomings on the ground. “When we go to the field, we notice small flaws and try to resolve them immediately. We are working with utmost sincerity to fulfill the commitment we made to ensure safe transportation for the public,” he added.

During the inspection, the state minister emphasized stopping the operation of illegal vessels and instructed the authorities to ensure the allocation of sufficient water transport based on passenger demand and pressure.

At that time, the Chairman of the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) Arif Ahmed Mostafa, the Deputy Commissioner of Bhola Dr Shamim Rahman; Superintendent of Police Md Shahidullah Kawsar; along with senior officials from the Bangladesh Police, River Police, Coast Guard, BIWTA, and BIWTC were present.