After a two-day paralysis of the southern waterways, the vital maritime artery between Barishal and Dhaka has finally reopened. On Tuesday evening, the rhythmic thrum of engines returned to the Barishal River Port as five luxury launches commenced their journey toward the capital. This resumption follows a mandatory suspension by the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA), which was forced to ground all vessels on Sunday and Monday due to a “white-out” of thick, hazardous fog.
The decision to lift the ban was confirmed by Zulfiqar Ali, an inspector for the BIWTA’s Marine Safety and Traffic Department. However, the clearance comes with a caveat: the typical eight-hour nocturnal voyage is expected to stretch to twelve hours or more. Navigating the serpentine turns of the Meghna and Kirtonkhola rivers in current conditions requires extreme caution, with masters often forced to proceed at a crawl or rely entirely on radar.
Resumed Launch Services: Tuesday Night Departure
| Vessel Name | Service Type | Status |
| Parabat-11 | Direct (Barishal–Dhaka) | Departed 21:00 |
| Parabat-12 | Direct (Barishal–Dhaka) | Departed 21:00 |
| Suravi-7 | Direct (Barishal–Dhaka) | Departed 21:00 |
| M Khan-7 | Direct (Barishal–Dhaka) | Departed 21:00 |
| Sundarban-12 | Via Route (Jhalakathi–Barishal–Dhaka) | Departed 21:30 |
The disruption has caused significant distress for commuters. One passenger, Abdul Motaleb, described the ordeal as he huddled against the biting 12°C chill: “We have boarded the ship out of necessity, but there is a palpable sense of unease. Crossing these rivers in such visibility is a gamble on time and safety.”
The environmental conditions in Barishal remain grim. Local meteorological reports indicate that for four consecutive days, the sun has failed to pierce the fog until the late afternoon. This has created a “cold wave” effect, with temperatures hovering between 12°C and 13°C, exacerbating the discomfort for those travelling by water.
Road transport has been equally affected. Mosharraf Hossain, President of the Barishal District Bus Owners’ Group, noted that while buses have not been officially grounded, drivers have been ordered to adhere to strict speed limits. The reduced visibility on the highways has mirrored the delays on the water, turning what should be a straightforward commute into a gruelling test of patience. The BIWTA remains vigilant, warning that should the fog thicken mid-transit, launches will be required to drop anchor in mid-river to prevent potential disasters.