Ferry services on major river-routes resumed on Monday, two days after the authorities concerned had suspended the services to contain spread of coronavirus infection.

The Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC) authorities earlier suspended ferry services on two major river-routes, Paturia-Daulatdia and Shimulia-Banglabazar, during daytime from Saturday.

Shipping secretary Mohammad Mezbah Uddin Chowdhury told Banglanews: "Considering the mad rush of homebound people and their sufferings ahead of Eid, the services resumed....where will the homebound people go as they already reached the ferry ghats?"

When asked, he said initially the ferry will run on the routes till Eid. The next decision will be taken in this regard considering the overall situation, the secretary added.

Meanwhile, the rush of home-bound people continued on Monday violating the government’s Covid restrictions on movement and ignoring risks of coronavirus infection.

Several thousand south-west bound travellers on foot were seen crossing the River Padma by ferries on Shimulia-Banglabazar route.

BDST: 1953 HRS, May 10, 2021
SMS