UNB, Bhola: All passenger launch and sea-truck services on 10 major routes, including Bhola-Ilsha to Lakshmipur, Monpura-Dhaka, and others, remained suspended for the fourth consecutive day on Monday due to adverse weather triggered by the seasonal monsoon.
Moreover, the inclement weather continued to disrupt life in the island district of Bhola, where heavy rain and overcast skies have persisted since Monday morning.
According to the Bhola Meteorological Office, light to moderate rain continued across the district, with forecasts indicating further rainfall over the next couple of days.
Due to rough seas, maritime ports remained under local cautionary signal No. 3, while river ports were placed under signal no. 1.
The suspension of water transport left hundreds of passengers stranded, causing severe travel disruptions.
Many commuters, desperate to reach their destinations, were risking their lives by using unauthorized vessels such as speedboats and small trawlers on routes like Ilsha-Lakshmipur, raising concerns of potential accidents at any moment.
Meanwhile, ferry services on the Bhola-Ilsha route were operating normally but with the suspension of launches and sea-trucks, ferries were experiencing heavy passenger congestion.
Bhola River Port's Transport Inspector from BIWTA Jasim Uddin said that the launch and sea-truck services on all 10 routes will remain suspended until further notice due to continued rough conditions at sea.
He warned that action will be taken to stop the operation of unauthorised vessels.
Inclement weather halts water transport on Bhola-Lakshmipur route
Local authorities urged residents to follow safety guidelines and avoid risky travel amid the ongoing bad weather.
