Written by: Eshan Maitra

Rainy season stretches the lengths of the river journeys up to 6,500 km. But, not even one full quarter is covered with proper lighting & marking on the river path. Launch captains are solely running ships based on estimation most the times.

River experts claim, 80% of the accidents occur due to lack of proper water-way signs. Combining these factors over Eid crowding & the uncertain weather, things will get very risky.

Launch owners are blaming Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) for their negligence. Even with the budget BIWTA is not fulfilling their duties.

On the other hand, BIWTA claims of currently working on solving this issue. The World Bank will also funding them for a project to set proper signs along the 950km of river ways.