Staff Correspondent, Narayanganj

The number of maritime accidents on the Shitalakshya River in Narayanganj is increasing. Collisions between bulkheads and boats, unskilled operators, river pollution, and encroachment are contributing to these accidents. According to BIWTA, there have been at least 10 accidents caused by bulkheads in various rivers of Narayanganj over the past year, leading to 193 cases.

According to government directives, bulkhead navigation is prohibited from sunset to sunrise. It is also mandatory to sound a horn and reduce speed when passing through populated areas or ferry docks. However, these regulations are being ignored.

Among the rivers flowing through Narayanganj, Shitalakshya is the most significant, playing a vital role in the city’s prosperity. It has greatly contributed to trade, commerce, and the local economy. The issues of encroachment and pollution in the river are well known. Additionally, frequent collisions between bulkheads and small boats or trawlers are leading to accidents, often worsened by unskilled operators ferrying passengers.

Statistics reveal that accidents are more frequent during the dry season when the river narrows. However, reckless operation of bulkheads and vessels causes fear among passengers all year round. Overloading of boats and trawlers further adds to the dissatisfaction.

Sources indicate that six ferry docks along the Shitalakshya River—Central Ferry Dock, Five-Number Ferry Dock, Hajiganj Ferry Dock, Ice Mill Ferry Dock, Fire Ferry Dock, and Tanbazar Ferry Dock—handle more than a million passengers daily. Despite repeated accidents, authorities have not provided any lasting solutions. Although there is a river police station operating year-round, it faces allegations of extortion. Reports of bulkheads being seized, fines imposed, and illegal goods confiscated continue, but the river police’s role remains widely criticized as ineffective in ensuring safety.

On February 1, 2025, a bulkhead struck a passenger boat on the Shitalakshya River, but no casualties occurred. Collisions between cargo ships and passenger boats are also being reported frequently.

During an on-site inspection, it was observed that bulkheads were operating without lights, sirens, or signals. Local passengers and operators expressed constant fear while crossing the river. A boat operator remarked, "They’re constantly running—no lights, no sirens." A passenger added, "I’m always scared when crossing because the bulkheads move recklessly."

Authorities have called for stricter control over bulkhead operations. Humayun Kabir, a traffic inspector at BIWTA’s Narayanganj River Port, stated, "We’ve sent letters to the river police, requesting strict monitoring of bulkhead operations at night."

Passengers in Bandar Upazila emphasized that improving the Shitalakshya River’s navigability is essential to reducing accidents. They noted that no dredging has been conducted in the Bandar Central Dock area since independence. Additionally, large wholesalers in Nitaiganj frequently anchor boats haphazardly, creating further hazards. Increasing the number of trawlers at major ferry docks is also crucial to ensuring safer crossings.

Fatal accidents on the Shitalakshya River have continued to rise. Over the past year, two passenger launches bound for Munshiganj collided with cargo ships near Syedpur, resulting in the sinking of both vessels and the deaths of 45 people, including women and children. On March 20, 2022, a passenger launch named *ML Afsar Uddin* sank after being struck by a cargo ship in Al-Amin Nagar, Syedpur, killing 11 people, including women and children.

On April 4, 2021, another passenger launch, *MV Sabit Al Hasan*, sank near Koylaghat in Syedpur, claiming 34 lives. The riverbanks were filled with the cries of grieving family members. Although investigation committees were formed after each incident, passengers claim they have not seen any improvements, and accidents continue unabated.

Officer-in-Charge of Narayanganj Sadar River Police Station AKM Aminul Haque said, "Patrols have been arranged on the Shitalakshya River. Regular prosecutions and cases are being filed." According to BIWTA, there have been at least 10 bulkhead-related accidents in various Narayanganj rivers over the past year, with 193 cases filed.

Abdullah Al Arefin, Deputy Assistant Director of Narayanganj Fire Service and Civil Defense, stressed, "Boat operators, masters, and everyone involved must be more cautious and vigilant."