In a decisive move to safeguard passenger safety, the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) has implemented a total suspension of vessel movements across the country’s vast riverine network. The directive was issued late on Friday night as an extraordinarily dense fog descended with rapid speed, effectively blinding navigators and creating high-risk conditions on the water. Babu Lal Baidya, the Deputy Director of Maritime Safety at BIWTA Chandpur, confirmed the emergency measure at approximately 11:00 pm, noting that the order applied to all forms of river transport, from massive triple-decker passenger launches to essential cargo barges.
The suspension, which officially commenced at 10:30 pm, has stranded thousands of commuters across major delta routes. All vessels currently navigating the rivers have been strictly ordered to drop anchor at their present locations and moor at the nearest available riverbank. This has left a multitude of launches stationary along the banks of the Meghna, Padma, and Shitalakshya rivers, awaiting a reprieve from the weather. The BIWTA has made it clear that no vessel is permitted to resume its journey until the fog dissipates and visibility is restored to safe levels, as the risk of mid-river collisions or running aground on shifting shoals is currently too high.
This nationwide disruption strikes at the heart of Bangladesh’s transport infrastructure, particularly for the southern districts of Barishal, Bhola, and Chandpur, which rely heavily on these waterways for connectivity with the capital, Dhaka. While seasonal fog is a common winter phenomenon in the region, the suddenness and density of this particular occurrence necessitated a rare countrywide halt. For many passengers, the night will be spent on anchored boats, highlighting the perennial struggle between the country’s maritime dependence and the unpredictable nature of its tropical winter climate.
Summary of National Waterway Suspension
| Feature | Operational Status |
| Effective Period | From 10:30 pm, Friday, 26 December |
| Authority | BIWTA (Inland Water Transport Authority) |
| Primary Risk | Extreme fog causing near-zero visibility |
| Geographic Scope | Nationwide (Dhaka, Chandpur, Barishal, etc.) |
| Action Required | Immediate anchoring at the nearest riverbank |
| Resumption | Contingent on morning weather clearance |
As the country waits for the morning sun to burn through the haze, the BIWTA continues to monitor the situation through its regional offices. Operations are expected to restart gradually on Saturday morning, though the backlog created by the overnight stoppage is likely to result in significant scheduling delays throughout the day. Officials have urged passengers to remain patient and prioritise safety over speed, reminding vessel masters that the “blind” navigation of the delta’s complex channels is a violation of maritime law that could lead to catastrophe.