M A Mannan, Bhala: Complaints of passengers suffering from Dhaka-Bhola Launch rotation are getting worse day by day. Launches from Dhaka to Charfashan (Betua) via Daulatkhan, Hakimuddin and Tajumuddin run on rotation system for the time being. Launches run in the same system on the Dhaka-Hatya waterway of this navel route.

On Sunday (October 22), we found these complaints during discussion with the Dhaka-bound passengers at Daulatkhan launch terminal. Due to rotation system, Dhaka-Charfashan (Betua) route has 2 instead of 3 launches and Dhaka-Hatia route has 1 instead of 2 launches.

According to different passengers

at the Daulatkhan launch terminal, due to rotation system the launch time table is not fixed. The launch from Dhaka which is supposed to arrive at Daulatkhan at 1 am, iarrives at 3 am. Again the launch from Daulatkhan which is supposed to leave at 8 pm, leaves at 10 pm. They took the opportunity of the system of rotating to charge fair as much as they could and the passengers had to wait at the terminal for hours to get launch. On the other hand, as an extra passenger, we have to travel in piles. The behavior of employees with passengers in the rotation is often questioned.

On the surface, only 3 launches are running in rotation on Dhaka-Daulatkhan, Hakimuddin, Tajumuddin, Charfashion (Betua) and Hatia routes. In this system, common passengers from Bhola suffer a lot from various problems including cut-throat fares, severe cabin shortage, sitting for hours waiting for the launch.

According to Bangladesh Inland Navigation (Passenger Transport) Association of the launch owners` association, this rotation is to offset losses due to a decrease in the number of passengers. However, if the number of passengers increases, the issue will be discussed and initiatives will be taken to ensure that passengers do not suffer.

Pathan Mo Sayduzzaman, Executive Officer Daulatkhan said, "We have heard about the rotation system of launces. The Ministry of Shipping should take initiative in this regard. I will place the matter in the district commissioner`s monthly meeting."

Meanwhile, Md. Zainal Abedin, Director, BIWTA said, "We are taking action against the rotation, we have sought an explanation as to why they are not running all the launches.

He further said, we have made a review committee of 4 members. They have submitted reports. We will take action on that after seeing the report. Maybe the launch owners will be forced to run all the lunches, or others will be ordered to run the launches on this route.

In this regard, District Commissioner Md Arifuzzaman said, "I will look into the matter. Since it is a matter of public importance, we will definitely take action in this regard.