Situation worsens

The situation of Paturia and Daulatdia ferry terminals deteriorated as three more ferries went out of operation with engine problems yesterday.

Nine ferries out of 18 are in operation on Paturia-Daulatdia river route.

Due to disruption in ferry service, several hundred vehicles were seen stranded at Paturia in Manikganj and Daulatdia in Rajbari.

The passengers of 17 southern districts have been facing serious problems for the last 11 days.

Manager (commerce) of Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC) at Daulatdia office Shafikul Islam said landing station No 3 is now under threat of erosion. The landing stations No 4 and 2 remained closed on Friday.

Ro Ro ferries -- Amanat Shah and Khanjahan Ali were sent to Narayangaj Dockyard on July 29 for repairing while Bir Shreshtha Hamidur Rahman, Bir Shreshtha Motiur Rahman and Shah Mokhdum -- were anchored at Paturia ghat as they cannot move against strong current of Padma, said Mohiuddin Rasel, manager of BIWTC at Aricha.