Bus drivers and passengers are reportedly ignoring a strict directive from the Ministry of Shipping that prohibits loading buses with passengers onto ferries. The order was issued after a recent accident at Daulatdia ferry terminal, where a bus fell into the river, prompting authorities to require all passengers to disembark before buses board ferries.

During an on-site inspection at Paturia terminal on April 1, several buses were seen boarding ferries with passengers still inside, despite the ministry’s order. Officials from BIWTA and BIWTC claimed they were enforcing the directive and monitoring compliance, but admitted that a lack of passenger awareness made it difficult to ensure full adherence. Investigators stationed at the terminal also observed multiple buses violating the rule.

The directive followed a March 25 tragedy in which a bus from Kushtia’s Kumarkhali plunged into the Padma River at Daulatdia, killing 26 people. The ministry’s enforcement challenges raise concerns about ferry safety and compliance monitoring at major terminals.