Trawler Seized and One Arrested for Illegal Passenger Ferrying in Bhola

The Bangladesh Coast Guard has seized a steel-body trawler and arrested one individual for illegally transporting passengers across the Meghna River.

The enforcement operation comes amid a heightened security clampdown on waterways to ensure safe travel for homegoers ahead of the upcoming holy Eid-ul-Azha.

The drive was launched around 10:00 AM on Monday (May 25) in the Meghna River near the Elisha Launch Ghat, under the jurisdiction of the Bhola Sadar Police Station.

Lieutenant Md. Abul Kashem, Media Officer for the Bangladesh Coast Guard South Zone, confirmed that the vessel was intercepted while illegally ferrying commuters on the Elisha river route from neighboring Lakshmipur district.

Every year ahead of Eid, thousands of commuters risk their lives by boarding unauthorized and unsafe wooden or steel trawlers to cross volatile rivers. These vessels lack the necessary fitness clearances, passenger manifests, and safety equipment like lifejackets, making them highly prone to fatal accidents during the monsoon season.

Following the arrest, law enforcement officials transferred the seized steel trawler and the detained individual to the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) for immediate legal action.