Dense Fog Forces Nationwide Suspension of Maritime Traffic

The Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) has issued a sweeping emergency directive to suspend all riverine vessel operations across the country as a thick blanket of fog descended upon the nation’s vast network of waterways. The order, which came into effect late on Friday night, aims to prevent maritime disasters during a period of critically low visibility. The suspension was officially confirmed by Babu Lal Baidya, the Deputy Director of Maritime Safety and Traffic Management at BIWTA Chandpur, at approximately 11:00 pm on 26 December. According to officials, the density of the fog increased with alarming speed, rendering navigation impossible for passenger launches, cargo vessels, and ferries alike.

The directive has effectively paralysed major river routes connecting the capital, Dhaka, with critical southern hubs such as Chandpur, Bhola, and Barishal. To ensure the safety of thousands of passengers and crew members already on the water, the authority has instructed all vessels currently en route to drop anchor immediately at the nearest riverbank. Mr Baidya emphasised that captains must not attempt to manoeuvre their vessels under any circumstances until the fog clears and visibility returns to a safe operating level. This led to a surreal scene across the delta, where hundreds of brightly lit launches were forced to moor at various points along the Meghna, Padma, and Shitalakshya rivers, leaving passengers stranded in the middle of the night.

This blanket suspension has caused significant disruption to the country’s transport backbone during the peak winter travel season. The winter months in Bangladesh are notorious for “heavy fog,” which frequently brings the inland water transport system to a standstill. However, the nationwide nature of this particular order highlights the unusual severity of the current weather pattern. Maritime experts note that attempting to navigate in such conditions without advanced radar systems—which many smaller vessels lack—frequently leads to mid-river collisions or vessels running aground on shifting shoals. For the millions of people in the southern delta regions who rely almost exclusively on water transport, such delays result in missed connections and the spoilage of perishable cargo.

Nationwide Maritime Suspension Summary (December 2025)

The BIWTA has stated that its control rooms are monitoring the weather conditions in real-time to coordinate a safe restart of operations. Services are expected to resume gradually as the sun rises and the fog dissipates, though a significant backlog of vessels at major terminals is likely to cause residual delays throughout Saturday morning. Passengers have been advised to remain on board their respective vessels for safety and to stay in contact with terminal authorities for the latest updates on departure schedules. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the seasonal challenges faced by the world’s most extensive inland water transport network.