‘No reports’ of fare hikes on waterways as Coast Guard remains alert

Lt BM Tanzimul Islam, commander of the Coast Guard Station at Narayanganj’s Pagla, has said there have been no reports of excess fares during Eid travel on waterways.

Speaking to reporters after a visit to Dhaka's Sadarghat Launch Terminal on Thursday, he said: “We haven’t observed any irregularities over fares yet. Every launch has our hotline number displayed. If passengers lodge complaints, we will take immediate action."

He also stressed the agency’s ongoing initiatives to ensure smooth travel via river routes, including checking the paperwork and verifying the fitness of each vessel leaving the terminals amid increased passenger volume at the start of the Eid holidays.

Addressing the safety measures adopted by the agency, he said: “The Coast Guard is conducting regular patrols alongside joint and special operations to prevent illegal activities and ensure security on river routes.”

He noted that ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, special patrols, public awareness announcements and leaflet distributions are being carried out at key launch, ferry and boat terminals under the Coast Guard’s four zones -- Dhaka, Bhola, Chattogram and Mongla.

Security measures include checking suspicious individuals and vessels, scanning passengers’ bags and other protective measures, Tanzimul said.

He emphasised that the Coast Guard is ensuring the overall safety of passenger vessels on routes like Dhaka-Chandpur, Barishal, Bhola and Patuakhali.

“The Coast Guard remains fully alert to prevent any untoward incidents and ensure passengers’ safety during their travel.

“Our operations are running 24/7 and they will continue after Eid to keep passengers safe.”