Rivers in southern Bangladesh are rapidly losing navigability with the onset of winter, severely disrupting key inland water routes including Dhaka-Barishal and Dhaka-Patuakhali. Several channels have developed sandbars, forcing large passenger vessels to travel at extreme risk or suspend operations entirely. Launch masters report that water depth in many areas has dropped to barely 1.5 meters, far below the 3-meter requirement for safe navigation. The Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) has acknowledged the crisis, confirming that dredging operations are underway in multiple affected points. However, launch operators and passengers continue to face frequent strandings and delays. Veteran passengers note that the number of active routes has fallen from 20 to just a few dozen due to siltation and low water levels. Environmental groups are urging a long-term dredging master plan to restore navigability and prevent further economic and safety impacts. If the situation persists, experts warn that the region’s inland water transport industry could face collapse, isolating communities and raising transport costs across southern Bangladesh.