Government steps up surveillance, infrastructure maintenance and passenger services at one of Bangladesh's busiest ferry routes.
State Minister Orders CCTV Installation at Aricha-Daulatdia Ferry Terminal
- Focus on improving passenger safety and service quality.
- Better coordination directed for holiday and regular operations.
- Bamboo-use allegation at approach road inspected on-site.
tate Minister for Shipping Md. Rajib Ahsan has directed authorities to install CCTV cameras at the Aricha-Daulatdia ferry terminal to strengthen passenger safety and improve service quality.
He issued the instructions on Wednesday after inspecting the ferry terminal and holding a meeting with officials responsible for its operations.
During the visit, the state minister reviewed ferry operations, passenger and vehicle management, terminal infrastructure, security arrangements and ongoing development activities.
He said the Aricha-Daulatdia route is a vital transport corridor for passengers and cargo travelling to and from southwestern Bangladesh. Ensuring safe, uninterrupted and efficient ferry services remains a government priority, he added.
The minister also instructed authorities to enhance coordination among relevant agencies to ensure smooth ferry operations during Eid holidays and other peak travel periods, as well as throughout the year.
He reviewed ongoing ferry modernization initiatives, terminal security measures and efforts to improve passenger services.
To strengthen round-the-clock monitoring, he directed officials to expedite CCTV installation, enhance security and further improve service standards.
During the inspection, the minister also examined allegations published in a local newspaper regarding the use of bamboo instead of steel reinforcement on the ferry terminal's approach road.
Officials explained that the approach road is temporary and that the use of bamboo is specified in its engineering design. They added that the structure is replaced every two to three months and that the same construction method has been in use since 1963.
The state minister said the government takes media reports seriously and conducts on-site inspections whenever necessary. He instructed officials to ensure quality, transparency and accountability in all construction and development projects.
He also warned that negligence or irregularities in passenger services, navigation safety or project implementation would not be tolerated, reaffirming the government's commitment to building a modern, safe and transparent inland water transport system.
At the end of the visit, he directed the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA), Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC) and other relevant agencies to work together to further improve passenger services and operational safety.
//DBTech/BN/MI//
