Illegal Ferry Tolls Raise Accident Fears on Padma River

Passenger ferry boats are operating illegally on the turbulent Padma River in Nazirganj, Sujanagar Upazila, Pabna without a High Court stay order or approval from the district administration or Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) raising fears of major accidents during the monsoon season.

BIWTA has declared the operation illegal and asked the Deputy Commissioner to intervene though the district administration claims it lacks specific information on who is collecting tolls.

Hundreds of passengers cross daily between Nazirganj and Dhawapara Ghat in Rajbari by boat, despite government ferries and speedboats operating on the same route. Tolls ranging from Tk 50 to 200 are being collected regularly. Locals allege an influential group working with some administration insiders has run the ferry pier for years without legal approval or a valid lease.

BIWTA first wrote to the Pabna Deputy Commissioner on April 21 demanding closure of the illegal pier. On May 14, the Deputy Commissioner responded, claiming no knowledge of it. Separately a High Court stay order concerning the Nazirganj ferry pier was extended by six months on July 16. Despite this illegal toll collection continues within the port's boundaries.

Toll collectors claim they operate on the instructions of local BNP leader Dr. Abdul Salam, who denied any involvement, saying boat owners run the pier for passenger convenience and that he has no authority to install one.

BIWTA's Nazirganj Assistant Port and Transport Officer Gazi Md. Abdul Motalib confirmed the illegal toll collection and said a formal complaint was sent to the Deputy Commissioner, who denied granting any permission.

Pabna Deputy Commissioner Aminul Islam said ensuring public safety is the government's responsibility and pledged swift action in coordination with BIWTA and local authorities.