Ferry U-turn for MP Hannan Masud leaves passengers stranded, angry

A ferry carrying passengers and vehicles was turned back mid-river in Hatiya to pick up local lawmaker Abdul Hannan Masud, sparking anger among passengers and widespread criticism over the incident.

The ferry Mohananda had departed Chairman Ghat for Nalchira Ghat on schedule at 3:30pm Saturday (July 11), but was turned around roughly 23 minutes into its journey and brought back to the point of departure. Abdul Hannan Masud, the member of parliament for Noakhali-6, along with his entourage, boarded the vessel once it returned, after which it resumed its journey to Nalchira Ghat, according to eyewitnesses.

According to the witnesses, Masud arrived at the ghat by car shortly after the ferry had already left, and alleged that the vessel was ordered back specifically to ferry him across.

Zahir, a representative of the ghat's leaseholder, said passengers were initially told the ferry would not depart at all, but it did leave on schedule, only to return roughly 23 minutes later to collect the MP.

Several passengers, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the mid-river reversal wasted their time unnecessarily and raised safety concerns given the bad weather conditions on the river at the time.

Sajjadul Islam, marine engineer aboard the Mohananda, confirmed the incident, saying the ferry returned for the MP shortly after leaving Chairman Ghat.

He said certain protocols must be followed for VIPs of this kind, describing it as standard practice.

Ferry master Nurul Amin said he turned the vessel around and returned to Chairman Ghat on the marine engineer's instructions, later resuming the journey with the MP aboard.

Contacted for comment, MP Abdul Hannan Masud declined to respond to the allegations.

The incident has triggered extensive discussion among locals, with many questioning the rationale behind turning back a mid-river ferry for a single VIP, and who bears responsibility for the resulting inconvenience to ordinary passengers.