Launch service on Shimulia-Banglabazar route suspended

Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) has suspended launch service on Shimulia-Banglabazar route.

BIWTA announced it around 12.00pm on Monday.

Shimulia River Port Naval Safety and Traffic Management Department Assistant Director and Assistant Port and Transport Officer (Additional In-Charge) Md Shahadat Hossain confirmed the news.

Md. Shahadat Hossain said 36 out of 86 launches operated on the route from 7.00 am to 12.00 pm on Monday. However, the launch service has been declared closed due to less passenger pressure.

On Monday morning, Dhaka-bound people thronged the Shimulia-Banglabazar route ignoring strict restrictions announced by the government to prevent coronavirus infection.

Many people reached Banglabazar by various vehicles including motorcycles, auto-rickshaws and three-wheelers. In this case, they had to face the obstacles of the police on the way.