Launch services resume in Keraniganj

Launch services resumed in Dhaka’s Keraniganj on Thursday morning, with the government easing the lockdown curbs for a week ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, reports UNB.

On Wednesday, state minister for shipping Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury visited Sadarghat launch terminal and asked the authorities to ensure that all passengers comply with Covid-safety protocols.

“Everyone should follow health safety guidelines and those found without a mask will be fined,” he said.

Khalid had also urged the launch owners and officials of the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) to remain alert in view of the worsening Covid situation in the country.

On 13 July, the Bangladesh government decided to ease all lockdown restrictions in the country for eight days ahead of Eid-ul-Azha.

In a notification on Tuesday morning, the cabinet division said that the lockdown restrictions would be lifted from 14 July midnight to the morning of 23 July.

However, strict restrictions will resume from 23 July and will continue till 5 August, as per the order.

A record rise in the number of Covid cases and fatalities in recent days prompted the government to enforce a nationwide stringent lockdown.

All modes of public transport, including the road, river, rail and air, remained suspended during the lockdown.

On 22 June, the authorities suspended the movement of all passenger vessels in Narayanganj, Gazipur, Munshiganj, Manikganj, Madaripur, Rajbari and Gopalganj to curb the spread of Covid in these districts.

Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) announced its decision to suspend the movement of launches, speed boats and trawlers on 21 June, following the cabinet division’s circular on the imposition of lockdown in these seven districts.

However, the restrictions won't apply on the movement of cargo vessels and emergency services. And legal action will be taken against violators, according to the BIWTA notification.