Launch services on ten internal routes in Bhola district have been suspended following the hoisting of cautionary signal number three at four sea ports and signal number one at the river port, officials said on Wednesday (July 30).

The Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) issued the suspension directive as a precautionary measure due to deteriorating weather conditions.

The affected routes include Bhola-Lakshmipur, Dowlatkhan-Alekjander, Mirzakalu-Alekjander, Betua-Dhaka, Tajumuddin-Manpura, Betua-Manpura, Hatiya-Dhaka, Tajumuddin-Char Jahiruddin, and Hakimuddin-Manpura-Char Jahiruddin.

“The decision was made to ensure passenger safety amid rising risks at sea and river ports,” said Riad Hossen, Assistant Director of Bhola River Port (BIWTA). He added that the suspension will remain in effect until further notice.

However, launch operations on other major routes, including Bhola-Dhaka and Bhola-Barishal, are continuing as usual.

The sudden suspension has caused major inconvenience to passengers, with many being forced to return home after failing to reach their destinations.

Adding to the disruption, the Ilisha ferry ghat has been submerged due to the rising water level of the river, affecting road and ferry traffic in the area.

According to the Bhola meteorological department, the district recorded 43 millimeters of rainfall in the past 24 hours.

MN/