As the waterways are rough due to the impact of Cyclone ‘Remal’, the main river port of the capital, Sadarghat Launch Terminal, has announced the suspension of launch operations on all routes until further notice. Besides, boats have also been instructed to be cautious while crossing the river.

Muhammad Ismail Hossain, Joint Director of Maritime Safety and Traffic Management Department of BIWTA in charge of Dhaka River Port Sadarghat confirmed this information to Daily Bangla.

Muhammad Ismail Hossain said that according to the instructions of the Directorate of Meteorology, all types of small and large launch steamers on all routes have been stopped from the Sadarghat launch terminal since 10:00 pm yesterday. The launch will remain suspended till further orders.

The Sadarghat launch terminal can be seen on the surface, the terminal area is completely deserted. There is no movement of people, no call. Meanwhile, there was no launch on the pontoon. Many are looking for an alternative way to travel by bus after hearing the news of the launch closure. Many people are going home by private car from the ghat.

The launch officials said that the launch has been stopped due to adverse weather conditions. It will not be safe to launch from the wharf until it returns to normal. There is no scope for disobeying the instructions of Meteorological Department and BIWTA.

Meanwhile BIWTA Director of Naval Safety and Traffic Management Department. Zainal Abedin said, ‘Due to Cyclone Remal, the river ports of Khulna, Satkhira, Bagerhat, Pirojpur, Jhalkathy, Barguna, Barisal, Bhola, Patuakhali, Feni, Comilla, Noakhali, Laxmipur, Chandpur, Chittagong and Cox’s Bazar districts have been notified to show maritime distress signal number 4. It has been said. Due to this, all types of launches and boating have been banned from 6 am. This ban will remain in force till further orders.

Also senior public relations officer of the Ministry of Shipping. Jahangir Alam Khan said, “Due to the cyclone, for the safety of passengers and property, all launches of inland waterways from Dhaka River Port have been suspended until further notice at 10 pm on Saturday.”

Meanwhile, Bangladesh Meteorological Department said that the center of Cyclone Remal, which has taken a dangerous form, may cross the Khepupara coast in the next few hours. Director of Meteorological Department on Sunday afternoon. Azizur Rahman gave this information in a press conference. He said, the speed has increased due to strong cyclone Remal. It is now moving at a speed of 13 kmph.