Shipping operations across various regions of Bangladesh are facing significant disruptions due to navigability crisis in the Padma and Jamuna rivers.
Additionally, cargo vessels loaded with goods have been stranded mid-river, forcing operators to unload goods at additional costs.
The Daulatdia-Paturia ferry route in Rajbari is also particularly affected, as low water levels have made it difficult for ferries to navigate directly. Ferries are being forced to take longer, more cautious routes to dock at Daulatdia and Paturia terminals.
Additionally, cargo vessels traveling from Chattogram and Mongla ports to Pabna's Nagarbari and Sirajganj's Baghabari ports with goods like fertilizers, maize, wheat and coal have been stuck in the Padma-Jamuna region, particularly in Harirampur and Andhar Manik near Aricha. These stranded vessels are unloading goods using small boats and bulkheads, incurring extra costs for traders and raising concerns over mid-river robberies.
To address the crisis, dredging operations are being carried out on the Daulatdia-Paturia route under a project initiated to facilitate heavy cargo transportation for Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant. The project, managed by the Bangladesh Navy Dockyard and Engineering Works, includes dredging 132 kilometers of the river from Hizla-Ulania to Mawa at an estimated cost of Tk 87.5 crore.
Hassan Ahmed, Executive Engineer of Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) Aricha Office, stated that dredging is ongoing along a two-kilometer stretch of Daulatdia-Paturia route with two navy-operated dredgers, ensuring a 100-meter-wide channel. He noted that a minimum depth of 12 feet is required for ferry operations, but current depths are significantly lower.
A stranded vessel was seen unloading the cargo mid-river. Photo: Daily Observer
Operators of stranded vessels shared their struggles. Abdur Sabur Khan, captain of MV Nafsaan-3, reported being stuck mid-river for over five days while carrying maize from Chattogram port to Paturia. "We have spent over seven to eight hundred liters of fuel trying to move, but to no avail. Now, we are forced to unload the cargo mid-river, increasing costs and putting us at risk of robberies," he explained.
Similarly, Mohammad Selim, captain of MV Deshbandhu-5, carrying clinker for cement production, noted that their vessel has been stationary for three days, leading to financial losses and shortages of food and water for the crew. "Maintaining regular dredging operations is essential for smooth navigation," he added.
Moin Islam, a cargo surveyor, highlighted the critical need for deeper channels, saying, "This route requires at least 14-15 feet of depth, but current levels are only around 10-11 feet, causing vessels to halt mid-river."
Abdul Mannan, Project Officer of the Bangladesh Navy Dockyard, clarified that dredging is conducted based on BIWTA's surveys and instructions. "We only execute dredging as directed and cannot go beyond our assigned responsibilities," he stated.
BIWTA's Hassan Ahmed reiterated the importance of maintaining navigability on this route, stressing that regular dredging is being prioritized to address the crisis and minimize disruptions.
Despite these efforts, the ongoing navigability crisis underscores the need for long-term, sustainable solutions to ensure uninterrupted river transport, a lifeline for the country's economy, he added.
