The Minister of Shipping, Road Transport and Bridges, and Railways, Sheikh Robiul Alam, announced that no passenger will be allowed to board launches from boats or speedboats in the middle of the river during the upcoming Eid travel period. The decision was revealed on Monday during a meeting with journalists at the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges. The restriction follows two unwanted river accidents during the previous Eid, after which two high-level investigation committees were formed and several safety measures were recommended.

According to the ministry, passengers may still use boats or speedboats to reach launches through terminal pontoons. Additional measures include requiring drivers to unload passengers before vehicles board ferries, strengthening ferry pontoon safety barriers, and suspending sand-carrying bulkhead operations for five days before and after Eid. Nighttime speedboat operations will also be halted. To ease congestion at Sadarghat, new launch services will operate from Bosila and Shimulia, with BRTC shuttle buses connecting Kuril to Shimulia.

The ministry also decided to restrict general trucks and covered vans from ferry crossings during peak Eid days, prioritize livestock transport, and ensure regulated fares and passenger support services at terminals.