BARISAL: Shipping Minister Shahjahan Khan on Saturday said the present government has a plan to widen the Barisal river port to ensure better services for the passengers here, reports BSS.
“We are committed to provide better services for the people specially the homebound passengers who want to enjoy their Eid festival with their near and dear ones,” he said while visiting the Barisal river port yesterday morning.
The minister enquired the steps taken by the authority for the safety of the Eid-passengers and the overall condition of the Barisal Port. “The pontoon will be enlarged to Steamer Ghat,” he said adding that it would help loading or unloading and smooth movement of the passengers.
The shipping minister said all concerned agencies as per the directives of the ministry, police, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), naval police, local and district administration including their magistrates, scouts, BIWTA and BIWTC authorities will remain vigil to ensure the smooth journey of the passengers during the Eid.
He urged all concerned including the owners of the water vessels and passengers to remain alert to avert any sorts of accident.
The minister categorically asked the launch authorities not to carry extra passengers to avoid any untoward incidents.
BIWTA Chairman Commodore M Mojamamel Haque, BIWTC Chairman Mizanur Rahman and high mandarins of the shipping ministry accompanied the minister.
Besides, the minister visited Bhola-Laxmipur Ferry route. Chairman of Bangladesh River Commission Ataur Islam, Deputy Commissioner of Bhola Md Selim Reza and Superintendent of Police (SP) Md Moniruzzaman, among others were also present there.