Heavy Fog Lifts: Dhaka-Barishal Launch Services Resume

The essential waterway link between Dhaka and Barishal has sputtered back to life after a debilitating forty-eight-hour hiatus caused by a thick, impenetrable blanket of fog. On Tuesday night, five luxury triple-decker launches finally slipped their moorings at the Barishal River Port, much to the relief of hundreds of stranded commuters.

The suspension, which began on Sunday evening, was a necessary safety measure enforced by the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA). Inspector Zulfiqar Ali of the Barishal River Port’s Marine Safety and Traffic Division confirmed that the fleet departed for the capital at approximately 9:00 pm, following clearance from headquarters.

Navigational Challenges and Extended Transit

While the resumption of services is a positive development, officials have warned that the journey—typically an eight-hour overnight crossing—could now take twelve hours or longer. The persistent mist continues to restrict visibility, forcing masters to maintain significantly reduced speeds to avoid mid-river collisions or running aground on shifting shoals.

One passenger, Abdul Motaleb, voiced the collective anxiety of those on board: “I have boarded despite the biting cold, but with the mist still hanging over the water, there is a lingering doubt as to whether we shall reach Dhaka safely or on schedule.”

Operational Summary of Resumed Services

The following vessels were the first to resume operations on Tuesday night:

Impact on Regional Connectivity

The maritime disruption is part of a broader weather-induced crisis in southern Bangladesh. For the past four days, the Barishal Weather Office has reported that the sun remains obscured until well past midday, with temperatures plummeting to between 12°C and 13°C.

This atmospheric volatility has not been confined to the rivers. Road transport across the Dhaka-Barishal highway has similarly been hampered. While the Barishal District Bus Owners’ Group has opted not to suspend services entirely, President Mosharraf Hossain confirmed that drivers have been issued strict instructions to maintain low speeds and high vigilance to prevent accidents.

The BIWTA remains on high alert, noting that if visibility drops below a critical threshold during the early hours of Wednesday, vessels may be forced to drop anchor mid-stream, potentially leading to further delays for morning arrivals in Dhaka.