Passenger rush at Paturia as 18 launches struggle to meet Eid demand

A massive rush of homebound passengers has been witnessed on the Paturia-Daulatdia waterway route in Manikganj ahead of Eid. Thousands of people from the south-western region are facing hardship due to a shortage of launches compared to the number of passengers.

Such a scene was observed when visiting Paturia Launch Ghat around 4:00 pm on Wednesday, March 18.

Bablu Khan, a passenger waiting at the ghat, said he was heading to his village home in Magura for Eid. Although he left after getting leave from his factory in the afternoon, he encountered a severe crowd upon arriving at the ghat.

He said, "I was thinking there wouldn't be much suffering, but coming here I see passengers everywhere, and a shortage of launches."

Another passenger, Habib, said he was returning home with his family. Although there wasn't much hassle on the road, they have faced difficulties after arriving at the ghat. Passengers are scrambling to board as soon as a launch arrives at the ghat.

Paturia Launch Ghat Supervisor Monir Khan said 18 launches are currently engaged in ferrying passengers for Eid. However, a sudden increase in passenger pressure in the afternoon has created some hardship.

He further stated that the situation is being monitored to manage the passenger pressure, and necessary measures will be taken accordingly.