BIWTC stops sea truck service in Patuakhali

The sea-truck service was introduced in response to demands of one and a half lakh people of six unions of Char Kazal, Char Biwas, Char Montaz. Chotto Baishdia, Baro Baishdia and Rangabali in Galachipa upazila. Over 80 people died in a tragic launch accident in the Buragourango on May 15. Launch service was stopped in the coastal route just after the accident.

BIWTA assistant director Md Sultan Ahmed told this correspondent they introduced the service considering passengers' sufferings. Two single decker sea-trucks began to operate in the route. Each passenger's fare was fixed at Tk 50. But from the first day of its operation, influential boat and trawler owners resisted the passengers from travelling by sea-trucks. The passengers were forced to get on board their boats or trawlers resulting in great loss to sea trucks. The BIWTA authorities compelled to stop their service.

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