CHAR FASSON, BHOLA, June 11: A proposed ferry service between Ghosherhat in Bhola's Char Fasson Upazila and Hajirhat in Patuakhali's Dashmina Upazila is under active consideration, potentially transforming connectivity for more than 10 lakh people across the two coastal districts.
The Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) has initiated steps to assess the feasibility of the new ferry route across the mighty Tentulia River.
A directive was issued on May 8 instructing senior officials from Bhola, Patuakhali, and Barisal to conduct an on-site inspection and submit their findings within 15 working days, BIWTA's Barisal office confirmed.
Local residents had earlier submitted formal requests for the service to the Ministry of Shipping, senior ministry officials, and the BIWTA chairman.
"The people of this region urgently need a ferry service," said Shahazada, a local journalist and regular commuter at Ghosherhat launch terminal.
"For medical care, travel to district centres like Bhola or Barisal is currently a dangerous ordeal, with residents forced to cross the turbulent Tentulia River in small trawlers and speedboats."
Community leaders argue that a ferry would not only improve personal mobility but also lower the cost of transporting goods, including agricultural produce and Hilsa fish-a key regional export. The route would also connect to the Padma Bridge, opening a faster path to Dhaka and major commercial hubs.
"The demand for a ferry link between Ghosherhat and Hajirhat represents the voice of over one million people in Char Fasson and Dashmina," said former Char Fasson BNP general secretary Motahar Hossain Alamgir Malta. "Without it, residents face immense hardship due to isolation and limited transport options."
Ashraful Rahman Dipu, a youth leader from Char Fasson, echoed this sentiment, calling the ferry service "a long-standing demand of thousands."
Academics also support the initiative. "A ferry service would strengthen ties between Bhola and Patuakhali districts and significantly boost regional connectivity," said Abu Jafar, a lecturer at Dashmina Government Abdur Rashid Degree College.
Government officials confirmed progress. "This route has become a necessity," said Char Fasson Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Rasna Sharmin Mithi. Dashmina UNO Irtiza Hasan added, "The government has issued a letter to assess the project's feasibility.
If implemented, the ferry will improve both passenger and goods transport, especially for local farmers. Given the Tentulia's rough conditions year-round, a safe and reliable ferry service is now essential."
If approved, the Ghosherhat-Hajirhat ferry link is expected to deliver significant social and economic benefits to one of Bangladesh's most underserved coastal regions.
