Priority to be Given to Animal-laden Trucks While Ferrying

Prior to the Holy Eid-ul-Adha, extensive preparations have been made at the Daulatdia-Paturia river route in Rajbari, a major gateway in the country. As the pressure of passengers and vehicles multiplies on this river route—the primary transit point for people from around 21 districts in the south-western region—the government, local administration, law enforcement agencies, and relevant organizations have begun working in a coordinated manner.

In particular, the relevant authorities have announced that priority measures will be taken this time to ensure the safe and swift crossing of sacrificial animal-carrying trucks and vehicles. Alongside this, additional initiatives have been adopted regarding ferries, launches, river police, traffic management, and terminal security to guarantee a safe and hassle-free journey for passengers.

With Eid ahead, final-hour preparations are already underway in the Daulatdia terminal area. Various departments are working simultaneously on terminal renovation, vehicle control, strengthening security, increasing ferry capacity, and keeping launch operations smooth.

Those involved hope that through coordinated management, this Eid journey will be more comfortable and safer than any time in the past.

Daulatdia-Paturia River Route: The Lifeline of the Southern Region

The Daulatdia-Paturia river route is one of the primary reliance points for people from vast areas of the southern and south-western parts of the country travelling towards the capital. Every day, thousands of passengers, private cars, buses, trucks, and freight vehicles use this route. However, the situation takes a different turn during Eid-ul-Adha. The pressure of livestock trucks, the rush of homebound people, and the excessive presence of vehicles create additional strain across the entire terminal area. In light of this reality, the BIWTC, BIWTA, district administration, police, river police, and local administration have commenced preparations well in advance.

16 Ferries to Operate, 20 Launches to Remain Active 24 Hours!
The Bangladesh Internal Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC) has announced that a total of 16 ferries have been arranged to transport passengers and vehicles on the Daulatdia-Paturia river route for Eid-ul-Adha. Simultaneously, the Daulatdia launch ghat authorities stated that 24-hour operations will be maintained with 20 launches for the convenience of passengers.

A passenger named Anis shared his views, saying that every Eid brings a lot of suffering at the Daulatdia terminal. However, preparations have been made well in advance this time, which brings some relief. If the number of ferries and launches is increased, the suffering of passengers will be significantly reduced.

A driver named Samrat mentioned that vehicle pressure at the Daulatdia terminal increases tremendously during Eid. The decision to prioritize livestock-carrying vehicles this time is a great initiative. With proper management, traffic congestion and waiting times will be greatly reduced.

Motaleb, a driver of a livestock vehicle, said that they usually have to stay stuck at the terminal with livestock vehicles for a long time during Eid. He expressed relief over the decision to prioritize their crossing this year, noting that it will reduce the suffering of both the animals and the drivers.

Hatem Ali, manager of the Daulatdia launch ghat, stated that their preparations for the upcoming Eid are extensive. Twenty launches will operate day and night, 24 hours a day, on the Daulatdia-Paturia river route during Eid. Their launches are operated with great caution to ensure safe passenger transit. If the weather turns bad or there is a possibility of storms and rain, they suspend operations in a timely manner.

Meanwhile, Md. Salahuddin, Assistant General Manager of the BIWTC Daulatdia Ghat branch office, informed that 16 ferries have been kept ready for the holy Eid-ul-Adha. Currently, three ferry terminals—numbers 3, 4, and 7—are operational at the Daulatdia end. They will be capable of ensuring safe and swift crossings, aiming to give passengers a pleasant Eid experience.

Special Priority for Livestock Vehicle Crossing

Due to the increased number of sacrificial animal-carrying trucks and vehicles for Eid-ul-Adha, special emphasis is being placed on the crossing of these vehicles this time. Authorities have stated that a plan has been adopted to prioritize their crossing so that livestock vehicles are not stranded for long periods and the animals do not suffer.

Shipping Ministry Secretary Jakaria stated that the causes behind the tragic accident during the previous Eid have already been identified through an investigation. The government is working seriously to ensure such incidents do not happen again in the future. Special measures are being taken so that trawlers or vessels carrying sacrificial livestock face no obstacles on their way. The specific market destination for each vessel will be determined in advance.

He further informed that a high-level meeting chaired by the Prime Minister has already been held ahead of Eid. In addition, the Ministry of Shipping, Ministry of Road Transport, Ministry of Railways, Ministry of Home Affairs, and Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock have conducted separate preparatory meetings.

Strict Security and Surveillance

Security has been beefed up in the Daulatdia terminal area to ensure a hassle-free Eid journey. Decisions have been made to deploy additional patrols by law enforcement agencies, increase surveillance, and set up a control room in the terminal area.

According to Goalundo Ghat Police Station OC Md. Sofikul Islam, along with regular preparations, there will be extra duties this time as well. Their special focus will be on ensuring that homebound people can travel smoothly and that no obstacles arise in the movement of sacrificial livestock vehicles.

Abdullah Al Mamun, Superintendent of River Police for the Faridpur Region, stated that they have a special security plan for the Eid journey on the Daulatdia-Paturia river route. Two teams focused on ferries, one team on the launch ghat, and separate patrol teams will be deployed. A control room will also be established at Daulatdia. A total of 84 river police personnel will be on duty during the Eid journey.

Coordinated Initiatives by the Administration

Goalundo Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Sathi Das stated that the administration is working in a coordinated manner to reduce passenger suffering and ensure a hassle-free journey.

She added that they will ensure measures to minimize passenger distress and enable a smooth Eid journey. Several preparatory meetings have already taken place, and more meetings will be held involving all relevant departments.

Extra Vigilance from the Experience of the Previous Eid

The bus sinking incident at Daulatdia on 25 March of this year sparked nationwide discussion. Drawing from that experience, the government is maintaining a more vigilant stance this time.

State Minister for Cultural Affairs Ali Newaz Mahmud Khaiyam stated that the management of the Daulatdia terminal was completed fairly peacefully during the last Eid. They expect an even better management system this time.

According to Sheikh Rabiul Alam, Minister for the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges, Ministry of Railways, and Ministry of Shipping, the Eid journey is a major challenge for the government every year. More than 15 million people leave Dhaka in just about two and a half to three days. To ensure the safe transit of this massive number of people, the government has taken coordinated preparations across road, river, and rail routes. There is also a special focus on the Daulatdia-Paturia river route. Two untoward accidents during the last Eid deeply saddened the nation, and the government is much more cautious this time compared to the past.

Expectations for a Comfortable Eid Journey

All in all, multidimensional preparations have been taken at the Daulatdia terminal surrounding this year's Eid journey. Through an increased number of ferries, 24-hour launch operations, priority for livestock vehicles, additional security, river police patrols, and coordinated administrative initiatives, efforts are underway to ensure a comfortable Eid journey for millions of people from the southern region.

Those involved hope that effective management and coordinated efforts will reduce suffering on the Daulatdia-Paturia river route during this Eid journey, allowing people to return to their families safely.