Ferrying of heavy vehicles on Shimulia-Banglabazar route remain suspended

Heavy vehicles, passenger and freight, will not be allowed on the ferries of Munshiganj's Shimulia and Madaripur's Banglabazar route until the existing strong current in the Padma river recedes.

State Minister for Shipping Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury said this after a meeting with senior officials from the BIWTC and BIWTA on Tuesday.

The state minister discussed the inquiry committee's recommendations in the meeting, said a press release.

The ferries will only carry small and light vehicles like private cars, ambulances and microbuses, said the state minister.

Heavy vehicles have been asked to use Manikganj's Paturia-Rajbari's Daulatdia, Harina in Chandpur and Alubazar in Shariatpur routes.

Shipping secretary Mohammad Mejbah Uddin Chowdhury, BIWTC chairman Syed Md Tajul Islam and BIWTA chairman Commodore Golam Sadek, among others, were present at the meeting.

Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury said Padma Bridge is a prestigious installation and hitting this bridge by a ferry is really a matter of concern.

"We're sorry and embarrassed for such incidents," he added.