Hatiya (Noakhali) Correspondent

Passengers and transport operators on the Nalchira–Chairman Ghat waterway expressed strong frustration on Monday after the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC) suspended the operation of the ferry Mahananda, despite sea truck, speedboat, and trawler operations remaining uninterrupted under caution signal number 3.

Passengers and transport workers complained that while smaller and relatively more vulnerable vessels continued to navigate the route, only the ferry was kept off-water, causing severe public suffering and stranded vehicles at the terminals.

According to local sources and ferry personnel, the ferry master and marine officer initially reviewed the weather conditions on Monday morning and deemed the river calm enough to operate safely. Preparations were underway, staff were deployed to the pontoons, and 145 passenger tickets were issued.

However, before the vessel could departure, high-ranking officials issued a counter-directive ordering the immediate suspension of the ferry service

We sold 145 tickets and prepared everything. But sudden orders from higher authorities forced us to stop the ferry. Passengers naturally questioned why a large ferry is stopped when smaller engine boats are running in the exact same weather, said, Kamrul Islam Turag, Ferry Lessee Representative

The sudden decision left long-distance commuters and cargo carriers stranded at Chairman Ghat. Drivers carrying perishable goods and essential supplies reported severe difficulties managing their vehicles as the tide began to swell around the pontoons.