A large number of people gathered at Paturia-Daulatdia ferry ghat in their desperate bid to go home to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr amid coronavirus risk, reports UNB.
People in thousands thronged the ferry ghat since morning to cross the river with the resumption of ferry services after two days’ halt.
Some were seen coming to the terminal by cars, microbuses, pick-up vans and motorbikes amid restrictions on movement of transports for over two months to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Zillur Rhman, deputy manager of Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA), Aricha ghat, said the ferry services on Daulatdia-Paturia route resumed on Thursday night following the directives of the higher authorities concerned after the suspension of the services for the last two days due to the cyclone Amphan.
Those who gathered in the area to cross the river have been asked to maintain social distancing and 50-60 people were allowed to cross the river, he added.
The authorities concerned are operating 16 ferries now.
Tania Sultana, superintendent of Shibalaya circle at Paturia Ghat, said, “A number of goods-laden vehicles were stranded in the ghat area following the suspension of the ferry services and they are allowing private vehicles to cross the river as per the directive from the higher officials concerned.”
